Former political prisoner Vasil Parfiankou faces new criminal charges
On 29 May Minsk Pershamaiski District Court is to open the hearing of a criminal case of former prisoner of conscience Vasil Parfiankou who is facing charges of violating preventive supervision restrictions.
The case will be considered by Judge Siarhei Bandarenka, who sentenced Viasna leader Ales Bialiatski to 4.5 years in prison back on 24 November 2011.
Representatives of the prosecution argue that Vasil Parfiankou has three times violated the preventive supervision requirements, namely failed to attend the supervisory body in due time and was twice out when policemen came to his apartment. Thus, he may be imprisoned for up to a year’s imprisonment.
Vasil Parfiankou was subjected to preventive supervision on 5 January 2012.
On 23 April 2012, the Human Rights Center “Viasna” released a statement demanding to drop the criminal charges brought against the activist.