Ivan Mikhajlau, Christian, finally acquitted
6- 15.06.2010, 13:46
Minsk regional court has declined the appeal of the prosecutor’s office against the judgment of acquittal to a member of “New Covenant” congregation, who had been accused of draft evasion.
As informed by BelaPAN, earlier he was found guilty and served almost the all term of detention, 3 months, under this charges. 21-year-old member of the Messianic Jewish congregation “New Covenant”, Ivan Mikhajlau refused to serve in the army where he was drafted in December 2008. Then he asked to give him a possibility of alternative service in accordance with Article 57 of the Belarusian Constitution, but he was denied it and was imprisoned.
“Amnesty International” recognized Ivan Mikhajlau a prisoner of conscience.
