Supreme Court upholds verdict to Homel campaigner

The Supreme Court of Belarus has upheld a verdict handed down to Homel civil activist Ihar Sluchak for alleged disorderly conduct back on 26 August.

The activist was detained and arrested for three days following a report submitted by Homel resident Siarhei Zamai who claimed that Ihar Sluchak attempted to start a fight with him in one of the city’s streets.

In his appeal against the verdict pronounced by Homel Savetski District Court, Mr. Sluchak argued that the alleged victim of the offence could not have suffered any insult from the activist as he was at work at the time. The fact was admitted by Mr. Zamai’s employer, who however later changed his testimony.

The activist, famous for his involvement in the civil campaign for increasing the use of Belarusian in office paperwork, says he is going to appeal the decision with the Supreme Court’s Chair.