Trial against Viasna leadership: Day 3
The trial over Viasna leadership continues in the Lieninski District court of Minsk. Among the defendants is Nobel Peace Prize 2022 laureate Ales Bialiatski. On January 10, the third court session was held.
Viasna members go on trial
The court proceeds with questioning the witnesses.
At the beginning of the trial, Uladzimir Labkovich petitioned for a break in the trial because he felt unwell and had a fever shortly before the session. Judge Zapasnik consulted with pre-trial detention center officers and decided that Labkovich was able to participate in the trial. The pre-trial detention center reported that as of Tuesday morning, Labkovich's health had been satisfactory, and he could participate in the meeting. The court session continued.
After the lunch break, Labkovich complained again that he was not feeling well. He demanded to call an ambulance. Doctors examined the political prisoner and said that he could participate in the court session.
In his letters from pre-trial detention center, Uladzimir Labkovich has complained about deteriorating health, namely constant headaches, insomnia, and decreased vision.
Human rights defenders of Viasna continue to be kept in the courtroom handcuffed and caged. Valiantsin Stefanovic reiterated the demand to take off the handcuffs. As before, the judge did not consider this motion. She argued that this issue is within the competence of the guards.
In response to the decision of the judge, Valiantsin Stefanovic challenged the court because it violated their rights. As expected, this request was rejected as well.
An anecdotal conversation occurred today between Ales Bialiatski and prosecutor Aliaksandr Karol. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate suggested swapping writing utensils because the prosecutor and the defendant are in unequal conditions: the latter has a laptop and a pen for his disposal while the human rights defender only has a ballpoint pen refill.
The trial will continue on January 11.
Trial against Viasna leadership: Day 1
Trial against Viasna leadership: Day 2