Ivashkevich Released, Report Sent for Revision

The administrative case against Viktar Ivashkevich was to be heard today by Pershamaiski court judge Yury Harbatouski. However, the judge sent the report about Ivashkevich’s detention back for revision.

Ivashkevich was brought to court at noon. Swedish ambassador Stefan Erikson, staff of OSCE office in Minsk, reporters, and Ivashkevich’s colleagues gathered near the building. For about an hour they waited for the beginning of the trial. As a result, Ivashkevich’s lawyer had to demand from the judge to make a decision. In some time the police officer who guarded Ivashkevich explained that the report of detention was sent back for revision. The policeman didn’t know what inaccuracies had been found in the report. He said that Ivashkevich was free to leave. Ivashkevich told RFE/RL: The decision was definitely made not by the judge, but by the people he called for advice. It seems they still haven’t decided what to do with organizers of the march.

It is likely that Ivashkevich will be tried in the beginning of October, in order to isolate him right before the European March planned for October 14th.

Let us remind the readers, Viktar Ivashkevich was detained yesterday at the entry of El Pomidorro cafe, together with Valery Ukhnaliou, chair of the organizing committee of the social march. Together with four other friends they celebrated Ivashkevich’s birthday. Later Ukhnaliou was released. Ivashkevich had to spend the night in a police station.