Valiantsin Stefanovich: there are legal grounds for Ales Bialiatski’s release without petition for pardon

Legal acts provide for several possible ways to obtain the release of Ales Bialiatski, says Viasna deputy chairman Valiantsin Stefanovich in his interview with the Nasha Niva weekly. It is possible even if he does not sign a petition for pardon, says the human rights defender.

However, Valiantsin Stefanovich says that it is President Lukashenka’s decree that has been used to pardon political prisoners since 2008, including Aliaksandr Kazulin, Siarhei Parsiukevich, Aliaksandr Atroshchankau and Mikita Likhavid, even though some of them did not apply for it.

Another way is release on parole. However, Ales Bialiatski has to serve at least two thirds of the 4.5-year term, i.e. he can only be released in 2014.

The easiest legal option to release Viasna leader is through objection by chairman of Minsk City Court. As a result of the consideration of a supervisory appeal, the sentence may be mitigated, i.e. Ales Bialiatski’s prison term can be substituted by a restriction of freedom for the period he has already served.

The appeal has already been submitted. And, in case nothing changes, a similar objection can be ruled by chairman of the Supreme Court.