Valiantsin Stefanovich: “The authorities have for a long time hunted on human rights defenders’ resources”

“The cynicism of our authorities is all about their being aware what objectives the resources were spent on, they have hunted on them all these years – they have been extremely interested in receipts written by people for the compensation of their fines. Legally, Bialiatski’s actions have nothing to do with the charges he is currently facing, as it is only profits that can be imposed a tax on and there is no evasion whatsoever”, says human rights defender Valiantsin Stefanovich in a n interview with the Belsat TV channel.

The trial of Ales Bialiatski may be closed, fear human rights defenders. “The investigators face a very hard task – they will have to prove it was Bialiatski’s income in order to speak of any offence. We will have to monitor the situation, so that the authorities could not make the trial a closed one”, says Mr. Stefanovich.

“Your TV has accused Bialiatski of possessing some cars and houses, so make the trial public and everything will be clear”, says Viasna’s deputy chair.