Former political prisoner Malchanau and his friend face criminal charges

Former prisoner of conscience Aliaksandr Malchanau and his friend Andrei Nikalayeuski have been charged with disrespect to the state symbols (Article 370 of the Criminal Code) for alleged staining several state flags with paint in the center of Barysau on 26 October.

Aliaksandr Malchanau was detained in the evening of 26 October, his apartment was searched, and on the following day he was sentenced to 10 days of arrest for alleged resisting detention. On the same day, his residence was searched again. The apartment of his friend Andrei Nikalayeuski was also searched for two times.

The former political prisoner has not yet been interrogated, unlike his friend who has already been questioned by police.

Aliaksandr Malchanau and Andrei Nikalayeuski may be sentenced to correctional labour, a fine, an arrest or imprisonment for up to one year.