In Baranavichy, activist fined for pre-election picket in support of Karatkevich

A court in Baranavichy on October 28 fined activist Ryhor Hryk Br5.4 million (30 base rates). The local independent newspaper Intex-press reports the activist pleaded non-gulty and will appeal the ruling.

The court considered two episodes. On September 27, Hryk staged a picket in support of the then-presidential candidate Tatsiana Karatkevich. The court accused the activist of failing to obtain permission to stage the picket. The activist and his lawyer reminded that during electoral campaigns the declarative principle - not permittive - should be in place. In other words, it would be sufficient just to notify the local authorities about a planned pre-election rally.

According to Hryk, Ihar Maslouski, an official representatve of Tatsiana Karatkevich, was responsible for paperwork. In fact, he did send a note to the local executive committe that the picket was to take place. However, the court disregarded this reasoning and ruled to fine Hryk.

Hryk was also fined for staging a performance act on September 24. On that day, the activist showed up at work wearing a striped robe alluding to a prisoner in a labor camp. That way, Hryk wished to draw attention of the management to the fact that work clothes had not been provided to him for two years. His act caused a conflct at his working place. What followed next was the accusation of swearing in a public place.

Photo: intex-press.by