Appeal of BKDP leaders rejected

Today, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus heard an appeal against the verdict of the Minsk City Court against the leaders of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BKDP). The verdict against the BKDP leaders remains unchanged.

Aliaksandr Yarashuk, Siarhei Antusevich and Iryna But-Husaim were convicted on charges of actions that grossly violate public order (participation in a protest action). Alexander Yaroshuk was also charged with allegedly inciting restrictive measures and other actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus.

The appeal hearing began without the participation of the defendants. The court left the verdict against the BKDP leaders unchanged.

Just to remind you: BKDP President Alyaksandr Yaroshuk was sentenced to 4 years in prison, his deputy Siarhei Antusevich to 2 years, and the BKDP accountant Iryna But-Husaim to 1.5 years.

All the defendants have been in custody since April 19, 2022. BKDP leader Alyaksandr Yaroshuk is currently in pre-trial detention in Mahilov, as is his deputy Siarhei Antusevich. Accountant Iryna But-Husaim is being held in the Minsk Detention Center No. 1.

Political prisoners will soon be transferred to penal colonies.

Yury Ravavoi
NSZZ “Solidarność”
International Department