Human rights activist Aliaksandr Vaitseshyk fined 920 rubles

The court of Baranavičy completed today the trial of local human rights activist Aliaksandr Vaitseshyk, finding him guilty of insulting and disobeying a police officer. As a result, the human rights activist was fined 920 rubles.

Vaitseshyk was detained on October 11 during the trial of the Russian philosopher Pyotr Ryabov. He was taken to the local Department of Internal Affairs and charged with two administrative violations, insulting a police officer on duty (Article 23.5 of the Administrative Code) and disobedience to the lawful request of an official on duty (Art. 23.4). The trial, which was expected to be held the following day, was adjourned to October 17, after Vaitseshyk requested a counsel.

The human rights activist was again detained on October 16, as he attempted to take a picture of Pyotr Ryabov at the railway station of Baranavičy. The activist was then again charged under Art. 23.4 of the Administrative Code.

During the first court session, the judge combined the three charges in one. On October 30, witnesses were questioned and the final decision was announced. Aliaksandr Vaitseshyk was penalized for the first two offenses of October 11, and acquitted of the October 16 violation due to the “insignificance of the offense.”