Uladzimer Asipenka charged with terrorist act preparation

According to human rights activist Aleh Vouchak, Vaukavysk businessman Uladzimer Asipenka has been charged with the preparation of an act of terrorism, following similar charges brought against Mikalai Autukhovich a few days earlier.
‘It was evident that, after Mikalai Autukhovich was charged with terrorist act preparation last week, his friend Uladzimer Asipenka would face the same charge, since there should be ‘a gang.’ However, if the trial will be an open one, everyone will see that the charges are groundless. The authorities expect the judges to be humble,’ says Mr. Vouchak.

Three Vaukavysk businessmen Mikalai Autukhovich, Uladzimer Asipenka and Yury Liavonau were arrested on 8 February 2009 on suspicion of deliberate property damage. In July Yury Liavonau was released. Soon information appeared that Mikalai Autukhovich and Uladzimer Asipenka would be charged with the preparation of a terrorist act against Chair of Hrodna Regional Executive Committee Uladzimer Sauchanka and Deputy Minister of Taxation Vasil Kamianko.
According to Mr. Vouchak, there are some more persons involved in Autukhovich’s case – Vaukavysk resident Aliaksandr Laryn and former police major from Hrodna Mikhail Kazlou. The human rights expert says they may face similar charges in the near future.