RATUSHA LIQUIDATION CASE TO BE HEARD 21 AUGUST

The first court session on the liquidation case of Ratusha resource center started on May 22. Then the hearing was suspended. RFE/RL reports, the next court session is set for August 21. Hrodna regional department of justice intends to close down the NGO for two ostensible violations of the legislation. Earlier Alexander Milinkevich, head of Ratusha, was fined for the same violations: at first, for using a risograph without a license, then just for having the risograph at their disposal.
The trial was suspended, because Alexander Milinkevich had filed a complaint against the actions of the administrative committee, which had fined him in his absence. His complaint was considered and rejected, i.e. the fine imposed in absence of the defendant was recognized legitimate. In 10 days the court will renew the trial on Ratusha liquidation case.
However, Ratusha members have no illusions about the results and goals of the court hearing. They say, Ratusha will continue its activities even if it loses its official status.