Political Prisoner Zmitser Dashkevich Fined

A trial over political prisoner Zmitser Dashkevich was surprisingly quick. Judge Kashkina found Zmitser guilty of violation of the article 402 of the Criminal Code, and fined him 60 basic units (1 million 869 thousand rubles). Representatives of the OSCE mission were allowed to be present at the proceedings. Previously they sent a letter to Interior Minister Navumau and asked him to attend the trial. But even Dashkevich’s father, who had arrived to Shklou from Staryja Darogi, has been denied a permission to attend the hearings.

The trial was held in Shklou colony. About 25 persons are standing near the building of the colony in Shklou now. They put on T-shirts with the portrait of Zmitser Dashkevich. Part of the people has formed a circle and started praying, Nasha Niva informs.

The trial in the case of political prisoner Zmitser Dashkevich was to start on November 6, but was postponed on formal causes. According to the legislation, the accused is to be informed about the date of the trial at least 5 days before its beginning. Zmitser was informed about the trial on November 1 and 5 full days hasn’t passed on November 6 in the morning.

Zmitser Dashkevich is charged under Article 402 of the Crimianl Code “Refusal to testify”. In summer Zmitser categorically refused to give evidence against his fellow-members of the Young Front, in particular against Ivan Shyla. Dashkevich could be additionally sentenced to a half a year of imprisonment under this article.

Now Zmitser Dashkevich is serving a year and a half term in Shklou colony. He was indicted on November 1, 2006 for participation in an unregistered organization. He is to be released on March 15.