Baranavichy: trial over picketer

Today in Baranavichy there took place the first sitting of the administrative case against Ryhor Hryk. The police accuse hum of organization of an unauthorized picket and distribution of non-state press.

Many lawyers and civil activists intended to attend the trial, but not of them were let in, as the hearings took place in a small hall. The lawyer Siarhei Housha believes that the judge Alena Sarakhman was doing everything possible not to let the defendant justify himself.

‘The judge stated that Ryhor Hryk could be defended only by a lawyer. He declined the petition for admitting his public representative to the trial. It is a violation of the law, because everyone has the right to be defended in court.’

Ryhor Hryk is 43 years old. He is a member of the United Civil Party. This year he has been fired from the open company Cotton combine. He is tried for organization of the unauthorized picket in support of entrepreneurs in Baranavichy on 12 January.