Hrodna Region Court considers it normal to fine one-handed man for “unlawful applause”

Anatol Zayats, Judge of Hrodna Region Court, left standing the ruling of the Hrodna City Court to fine disabled Kanstantsin Kaplin 1,050,000 rubles for participation in the silent protest action held in Hrodna on 3 July.

As it follows from the police report, the detainee “clapped his hands”. According to the Hrodna human rights defender Viktar Sazonau, for the last 10-12 years the court hasn’t granted a single appeal related to politics. “There exists a certain system. Its aim is to fine and imprison a certain number of people. The judges implement their function even in absurd cases,” commented the human rights defender.