A photo with drummers at a protest led to three years under house arrest

The Lieninski District Court of Minsk sentenced international transportation manager Anastasiya Sankouskaya, who was accused of organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order or active participation in such actions (Part 1 of Article 342 of the Criminal Code).

Judge Anastasiya Achalava presided over the trial.

Anastasiya Sankouskaya was detained on March 31, 2022. First, she was sentenced to 15 days of administrative imprisonment, and then she was charged with participating in post-election protests. She allegedly blocked roads with other protesters. The reason for the criminal prosecution was the photos on her cell phone, in which Anastasiya was photographed moving along the roadway in front of the drummers.

In court, Sankouskaya did not dispute the fact of her participation in the action but disagreed with the prosecutor's claim that she shouted slogans and did not obey the demands of the police officers.

On July 14, the court found Anastasiya Sankouskaya guilty and sentenced her to three years of freedom restriction under home confinement.

The woman was released from custody in the courtroom.