2-months term for preliminary investigation of Square case expires today

The 2-months term for preliminary investigation of the criminal case on "mass disturbances" expires on February 19. The investigation bodies are supposed to either prolong this term, or transfer the case to the public prosecutor's office or court.

Let us remind you, that, according to the Belarusian legislation, preliminary investigation has its procedural terms and cannot last forever. The main term for preliminary investigation is two months. This term can be prolonged as follows:

     1. Till 3 months, by a district public prosecutor, a city public prosecutor or their deputies.

     2. Till 6 months, by a regional public prosecutor, Minsk city public prosecutor, or their deputies.

     3. Further prolongation of the preliminary investigation term is prescribed only in exceptional cases upon permit of a General public prosecutor of the Republic of Belarus, or his/her deputy.
    
     Preliminary investigation ends with issuance of a resolution on transferring the case to a public prosecutor for sending it further to the court (there is an option of termination of the case, and others), informs the human rights center "Viasna".