BCD Hrodna member appeals fine

Siarhei Verameyenka, member of the Belarusian Christian Democracy’s Hrodna office, is appealing a fine to Hrodna Regional Court. On May 7 Judge Natallia Kozel of Leninsky District Court of Hrodna sentenced Siarhei Verameyenka to a fine of 2 mln rubles for alleged violation of Article 22.9 (par. 2) - illegal manufacture of printed products.

Siarhei Verameyenka was detained carrying leaflets in support of political prisoners back on March 12 outside the party’s office. As a result, the leaflets were seized. Later, an examination by the Ministry of Information said they did not meet certain standards. The activist’s apartment was also searched.

During the hearing at Leninski District Court Siarhei Verameyenka produced photocopies of cartoon characters and to show the absurdity of the charges proposed to fine him for this “illegal production of printed materials.”

The BCD activist has little hope to find justice in the Regional Court, but intends to go further in order to show the absurdity of the charges and the fine.