Activists lose appeal in ‘graffiti case’
Maksim Piakarski, Vadzim Zharomski and Viachaslau Kasinerau. Photo by ej.by
The Minsk City Court dismissed today an appeal by three defendants in the so called ‘graffiti case’, Maksim Piakarski, Vadzim Zharomski and Viachaslau Kasinerau, who were sentenced to heavy fines on January 29.
According to the defense lawyers, the graffiti that the guys drew did not damage the structure, as the fence was already covered with obscene inscriptions. They also focused on the fact that graffiti were a work of art. Lightbulbs with paint were not meant for public service ads, but only to destroy Nazi inscriptions. The billboard was smeared spontaneously, without prior conspiracy.
The lawyers believe that the verdict of the Frunzienski District Court was handed only to justify the activists’ arrest and detention.
However, the sentence was left in place.
