Procuracy opposes acquittal of Dzmitry Smyk

On 16 July, the panel of judges of the Homel Region Court will consider the protest of the procuracy against the verdict of the Tsentralny District Court of Homel acquitting the conscientious objector Dzmitry Smyk of draft-dodging.

Bear in mind that on 6 November 2009, the Tsentralny District Court of Homel found Mr. Smyk guilty of violating Article 435 of the Criminal Code, ‘evasion from military service’. On 9 December, the Homel Region Court considered the cassation appeal and left the verdict of the Tsentralny District Court standing. On 23 January, a similar ruling was issued by Chairperson of the Homel Region Court.

However, on 15 March, following the protest of the Supreme Court, the presidium of the Homel Region Court reversed its decision and returned the case for a second trial.

On 31 May 2010, the Tsentralny District Court acquitted Mr. Smyk, reversing the verdict according which he had been sentenced to pay a fine of 3,5 million rubles. The procuracy disagreed with the acquittal and lodged a protest with the Homel Region Court.

Meanwhile, on 4 May the Minsk District Court acquitted another conscientious objector who insisted on being assigned to an alternative civilian service, and on 15 June the Minsk Region Court considered the protest of the procuracy against the acquittal and left in force the verdict of the Minsk District Court.