Vitaly Shklyarov, Liliya Ulasava released from pre-trial detention

Vitaly Shklyarov, a Belarusian-American political scientist facing politically motivated criminal charges in Belarus, has been released from pre-trial detention, according to his lawyer Anton Hashynski. The charges, however, remain in place.

Shklyarov is a native of Homieĺ and lives in the United States. He came to his home city to visit his parents and was arrested on July 29. Shklyarov was then placed in pre-trial prison No. 1 in Minsk.

Shklyarov was charged under Part 1, Art. 342 of the Criminal Code (organization or active participation in group actions that grossly violate public order).

Belarusian human rights organizations called the charges politically motivated.

UPD. Liliya Ulasava, another political prisoner affiliated with the opposition Coordination Council, was released on Friday. She will remain under house arrest before trial.

Liliya Ulasava