Mahiliou Region Court doesn't justify participant of People's Assembly
Uladzimir Shantsau, head of the Mahiliou regional organization of the United Civil Party
On 6 December the Mahiliou Region Court considered the
appeal of Uladzimir Shantsau, the head of the Mahiliou region organization of
the United Civil Party, against the fine of 1.4 million rubles, imposed on him
by the Leninski District Court of Mahiliou for the organization of the People's
Assembly in Mahiliou on 8 October.
Judge Navitaniuk stated that the verdict of the district court was lawful and
there were no reasons for its reversal. According to human rights defender
Barys Bukhel, the trial lasted for just 30 minutes.
“I will apply to higher court instances, as I don't feel guilty. I held the
People's Assembly in line with the law “On National and Local Assemblies” and
was punished for violating the Law “On Mass Events”. Even the police admitted
it at first by drawing up a report for violation of the Law “on National and
Local Assemblies”. However, this formulation was changed afterwards. I will go
up to the UN Human Rights Committee. It is an evident violation of my rights,”
commented Mr. Shantsau.
