Syarhei Lyashkevich Sentenced to 5 Month of Arrests

The court of Shchuchyn (Hrodna district) has sentenced an opposition activist Syarhei Lyashkevich to 5 months of arrest. Opposition leaders have already called this undoubtedly political process an unprecedented one. An oppositionist has been found guilty of violating article 293 Part 3 of the Criminal Code o the Republic of Belarus for the first time (Training or other preparation of persons for participation in mass disorders, and financing or other material support of such activities).

The matter concerns the riot allegedly planned in Minsk during the presidential elections on March 19.

A 28-year-old Lyashkevich traversed the accusation during the investigation and at the trial.
The prosecutor demanded 6 months of restrictment of freedom for Syarhei Lyashkevich.

Witnesses for prosecution in the court were persons with criminal record, whose confused testimony could not confirm the guilt of the accused. A documentary by Yury Khaschevatsky Usual President telling about the first years of Lukashenkas rule was showed at the trial as a proof.

In 2005 Syarhei Lyashkevich headed Shchuchyn district head office of the united democratic forces. In the period of the presidential campaign he was the head of Alyaksandr Milinkevichs campaign headquarters. On March 2, 2006, when the election campaign was underway, searches where held in the apartments of Syarhei Lyashkevich and other activists from Shchuchyn. Data carriers, some printed materials and documents from private archive were seized. In a few days he was arrested and spent about three months in Hrodna remand prison.

Syarhei Lyashekvich is to be released on August 14.