Continuation of the trial over Viktar Sharshun and white-red-white flag

The Tsentralny District Court of Minsk held another hearing on the case of Minsker Viktar Sharshun, beaten by the police for hanging a white-red-white flag on his balcony.

The hearing started at 9.30 a.m. Mr. Sharshun was charged with disobedience to the police and insulting them. The previous hearing took place March 3 and was postponed to March 6 by Judge Valery Yesman due to the failure of the police witnesses to appear in court.

Bear in mind that on February 8 Viktar Sharshun was in his apartment in Shauchenka Alley. Some strangers rang on the door, saying they were workers of public utilities. In fact, they were policemen. Without introducing themselves they ordered that he remove the flag from the balcony. Mr. Sharshun refused and tried to close the entrance door. Then they pulled him out of the apartment and started beating.

They took him to the Tsentalny District Police Department in handcuffs. At about 9 p.m. Viktar Sharshun was taken to Minin Street for an alcohol test, after which he was brought back to the DPD. He felt bad, and the police had to call an ambulance, which took him to clinical hospital No. 2.

During the hearing, the judge questioned the police witnesses: junior sergeant Karalkou (who detained Mr. Karalkou) and police inspector Illia Buhor.

As far as the copy of the report under Article 23.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (insult of duty official) differed from its original, the judge sent the case back to the police for revising.