Court Punishes Participants of Protest Action against “Viasna” Liquidation

On 29 October 2003 Minsk Leninski tried the eight members of the Public Association “Human Rights Center “Viasna” who took part in the peaceful action of protest against its liquidation by the Supreme Court of Belarus.

Here are results of the trials:

Aliaksandr Bialiatski, Head of the Board of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Aliaksandr Shylko, fined 5 minimal wages (about $40). He demanded a translator into Belarusian or the trial. Judge A.Shulko satisfied the petition;
Aleh Zhlutka, translator of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Alena Tserashkova, fined 5 minimal wages;
Aliaksey Kolchyn, Head of Mahiliow regional branch of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Alena Tserashkova, fined 5 minimal wages;
Uladzimir Labkovich, lawyer of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Zmitser Zhdanok. Judge didn’t satisfy his petition for a translator.
Mikola Lemianowski, Head of Hrodna branch of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Alena Tserashkova, fined 5 minimal wages;
Zmitser Salawiow, Head of Navapolatsk branch of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Zmitser Zhdanok, fined 5 minimal wages;
Valiantsin Stefanovich, lawyer of the PA HRC “Viasna”, judged by Aliaksandr Shylko, fined 5 minimal wages;
Uladzimir Vialichkin, Head of Brest branch of the PAHRC “Viasna”, judged by Zmitser Zhdanok, fined 5 minimal wages.