Minsk City Court upholds fine for beaten journalist Pavel Dabravolski

Minsk City Court has not remedied tut.by journalist Pavel Dabravolski’s grievance. Minsk Frunze District Court fined him for 9.45 million roubles for swearing and disobedience to the police a month ago. He was beaten by policemen in court, the journalist claimed. The Investigation Committee is conducting a check-up now. The results are unknown.

Dabravolski asked the court to cancel the fine because the court had refused to listen to his witnesses. Furthermore, there were contradictions in the court decree. Nevertheless, the judge has not changed the court’s decision and the journalist is not surprised. Dabravolski is going to appeal the sentence in the Supreme Court, tut.by reports.

BAJ chairperson Andrei Bastunets, Pavel Dabravolski’s colleagues, representatives of the American Embassy and European Union attended the hearing.