Even in Nazi Germany one could prove innocence

In today’s Belarus, an individual is deprived of any opportunities to exonerate oneself, says human rights activist Siarhei Ustsinau, analyzing the verdict by Judge Aksana Reliava of Minsk Savetski Court in the civil case of activist Viachaslau Siuchyk.

The Judge accepted the testimony by three policemen, who claimed that the activist had used foul language in a public place, despite four other testimonies.

‘Supposing Mr. Siuchyk did use foul language, then the court should have established the victims of the alleged offence,’ says the human rights defender.

Siarhei Ustsinau believes that the verdict is an example of judicial arbitrariness, which was not used in the Nazi Germany, referring to the Reichstag fire trial, when the accused Georgi Dimitrov defended himself and was eventually able to prove innocence.

‘The ‘independent justice’ we are having can accuse anyone of anything, with the accused being unable to prove innocence,’ says the human rights activist.