Verdict in extremism trial expected tomorrow

The Court of Ashmiany district (Hrodna region) considered today a lawsuit brought by the KGB’s regional office to recognize the “Belarus Press Photo 2011” album an extremist edition.

The lawsuit was based on the results of an expert examination initiated by the KGB and carried out by the executive officials of Hrodna regional executive committee.

Three Belarusian photographers – Yulia Darashkevich, Vadzim Zamirouski and Aliaksandr Vasiukovich – attended the trial as “concerned persons,” the first two being the organizers of the annual press photography contest.

As a result of today’s court session, Judge Aliaksandr Davydau ruled to adjourn the trial to pronounce the verdict at 4 p.m. tomorrow.

Those present in the courtroom, including human rights defender Hary Pahaniayla and a BAJ representative Andrei Bastunets, say the trial was accompanied with numerous procedural violations. In particular, the judge dismissed all the motions entered by the defense lawyer, including a request to initiate an independent examination of the album’s contents.