Pronouncement of verdict to Ales Bialiatski: 4.5 years in prison

At about 11 a.m., Judge Siarhei Bandarenka of Minsk Pershamaiski District Court is expected to pronounce a verdict to Viasna leader Ales Bialiatski.

11.00 – The Judge starts reading the verdict: the court finds Ales Bialiatski guilty.

“The court believes that only imprisonment with forfeiture for offence is possible and finds no means for a milder sentence.”

11.30 – Ales Bialiatski has been sentenced to 4.5 years of imprisonment in a general security penal colony with forfeiture.

“The defendant’s property, including that registered with other persons, shall be seized in pursuance of the verdict.”

Those present are yelling “Disgrace!” Ales Bialiatski says “Long Live Viasna!” before being taken out of the courtroom.

Defense lawyer Dzmitry Layeuski refused to comment on the verdict. However, he said the verdict would be appealed.

The court rules to collect BYR 721 mln of alleged damage and 36 mln of state duties.