Babruisk: Candidate Alexander Chyhir convicted

Today Babruisk court pronounced sentence to Alexander Chyhir, who is going to run in Babruisk rural district. Despite discrepancy of witnesses’ testimony, and the fact that he had been beaten by police officers, the civic activist was found guilty of damaging a cab and beating the driver. The verdict was two fines of 30 basic units (about 500 USD each) and 10 days of arrest.

Judge Aliaksei Klimau decided the actions of the police – usage of physical force and special means – were lawful. At the same time, the police refused to start proceedings against police officers who had beaten Chyhir. The law gives 5 days to Chyhir to complain against the verdict to the regional court. Alexander is going to submit a complaint soon. Members of his initiative group continue to collect signatures in support of his candidacy.

Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections