Stas Pachobut to Spend 5 Days in Jail

On November 17 Hrodna activist Stats Pachobut was sentenced to 5 days of arrest. The verdict was made by Judge Dzmitry Matseuk, who has been known for similar verdicts since this spring. The judge focused on the testimony given by a policeman. Simultaneously, he decided 7 witnesses from Pachobut’s side were not worth listening to. The judge also did not allow reporters in the court room. In fact, the trial was closed for public. Stas Pachobut went on hunger strike to protest against unfair actions of the judge and police.

He believes his detention was a provocation. Yesterday a group of young people were supposed to light candles because of the Solidarity Day. However, the police prevented the action. Stas Pachobut was detained by police. They accused him of relieving himself in a public place. Stas was charged with disorderly conduct and spent a night in the police station.

Last time Stats was detained in March on October square and sentenced to 10 days in jail.