BYPOL case trial begins in absentia. Defendants accused under 12 articles

On January 22, Minsk City Court has begun a trial in absentia against the leaders of BYPOL, an organization of former security forces. The organization collects evidence of crimes against peaceful protesters. Aliaksandr Azarau, Matvei Kupreichyk, Ihar Loban, Andrei Astapovich, Uladzimir Zhyhar, and Aleh Talerchyk are being tried in the case, which has more than 60 volumes. They are charged with 12 articles of the Criminal Code, including treason and an act of terrorism. The case is considered by judge Dzina Kuchuk.

BYPOL leaders. In the top row from left to right: Aliaksandr Azarau, Andrei Astapovich, Uladzimir Zhyhar. In the bottom row from left to right: Aleh Talerchyk, Ihar Loban, Matsvei Kupreichyk

Former security officers are accused in special proceedings under a number of articles of the Criminal Code:

Parts 1 and 2 of Articles 361-1 — creation of an extremist formation or participation in it;

Part 1 of Article 357 — conspiracy or other actions committed for the purpose of seizing state power;

Parts 1 and 3 of Article 130 — incitement of other social hatred;

Part 2 of Article 367 — slander against Lukashenka;

Part 2 of Article 203-1 — illegal actions with respect to information about private life and personal data;

Part 1 of Article 361-4 — promotion of extremist activities;

Part 3 of Article 361 — calls for restrictive measures (sanctions) and other actions against national security;

Part 1 of Article 356 — high treason;

Part 4 of Article 309 — intentional disrepair of a vehicle or communication lines;

Part 3 of Article 289 — an act of terrorism;

Article 188 — slander;

Part 2 of Article 368 — insulting Lukashenka.

In November 2021, BYPOL was recognized as an "extremist formation", and at the end of August 2022, the Supreme Court of Belarus recognized the organization as a "terrorist organization".

The BYPOL initiative was created in October 2020 by former security forces who oppose repression and violence and disagree with Lukashenka's policies. The organization is engaged in creating an independent trade union of law enforcement workers, drafting a law enforcement reform project, and collecting evidence of crimes committed by security forces against peaceful protesters.