On 23 May Mikola Statkievich was arrested for 10 days for disrespecting the court

Already yesterday, at the start of the trial, Mikola Statkievich voiced his position to the court, saying that he believed the criminal case was completely politically-motivated and connected to the presidential elections due next year. Also, M.Statkievich said that he does not view the Belarusian courts as independent and refused to rise when addressed by the judge.
Today M.Statkievich continued to ignore the court, refusing to take part in the proceedings, testify, answer questions or rise when addressed by the judge.
Judge Iesinovich, who is dealing with this criminal case, viewed these actions as disrespect for the court.
Judge of Tsentralny Borough Court of the Republic of Belarus Aliaxei Bychko passed a ruling to bring M.Statkievich to administrative account by terms of Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences. According to the ruling, M.Statkievich was arrested for ten days. From the courtroom he was taken to the special detention center of the Police Department of Minsk City Executive Committee in Akrestsina Street.