Over 60 trials across Belarus: 50 protesters jailed
Andrei Navakouski, protester detained after the 15 March demonstration in Minsk, walking down the hallway of the Centraĺny District Court before being sentenced to 12 days in jail. Photo: svaboda.org
At least 65 persons have stood trials today in Minsk, Hrodna and Mahilioŭ following yesterday's violent detentions of participants in peaceful protests against President's Decree No. 3.
As a result, more than 50 protesters were found guity of "resisitng arrest" and sentenced to various jail terms, mostly between 12 and 15 days. Others were sentenced to fines of up to 575 rubles (USD 300).
The protesters were detained despite the fact that the demonstration in Minsk was allowed by the city authorities. Many demonstrators were reportedly beaten by police officers in plain clothes.
The total number of protesters detained since March 3 when street protests against the Decree started has reached 160 persons. This figure includes 18 journalists detained while covering the events.
