Homel court fines Fair World’s regional leader
Uladzimir Siakerka
The Court of
Homel Chyhunachny District considered today the administrative charges brought
against chairman of Homel regional branch of the United Left Party "Fair
World" Uladzimir Siakerka. As
a result, Judge Anatol Sotnikau ruled to fine the opposition politician 2
million rubles.
Uladzimir Siakerka was found guilty of violating Article 23.4 of the
Administrative Code (“disobedience to the legitimate demands of officials”).
The
case against Mr. Siakerka was initiated after he refused to leave the train
Chernihiv-Homel on October 14, despite orders by Belarusian border officers. The
incident resulted in a delay.
Uladzimir
Siakerka pleaded not guilty, as he considers the actions of the border officials
illegal, referring to Article 17 of the Law "On the Border Service".
The provision says that border troops employees are obliged to name the reasons
for the restriction of the citizens’ rights.
"I
asked to them explain, but no one did. The
report said that "we identified a citizen, who was on the list at the request
of law enforcement agencies." At
the trial, I asked to explain what lists were meant, who added me there, and how
I could leave them. But no
one answered. Ahead
of the trial, I wrote a complaint to the commandment of the border group to ask
the same questions, but received no response," says Mr. Siakerka.
The
politician intends to appeal the fine at the Prosecutor's Office.
