Civil activist from Vitsebsk insulted president Lukashenka

On 13 July, the Chyhunachny District Procuracy of Vitsebsk started a check-up of the materials concerning a Vitsebsk activist Siarhei Beliazeka that were received from the Presidential Administration.

Mr. Beliazeka is suspected of violating Article 368 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, 'insult of president', that envisages up to two years of imprisonment.

For the latest years the activist has been often fined and imprisoned for participation in unauthorized street actions. However, the most difficult challenge for him was the status of redundant. The heads of the enterprises and institutions of Vitsebsk refused to employ Mr. Beliazeka because of his political activity and criticism towards the authorities.

The oppositionist has addressed President Lukashenka with a number of letters, asking either to foster his employment or help him emigrate from the country. The Presidential Administration forwarded these letters to various state agencies that didn't solve the problem. And now S.Beliazeka is in danger of criminal persecution for his latest letter to Lukashenka.