Andrei Sannikov remains in KGB jail till trial

A lawyer of presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov informed about another unsuccessful attempt to change a measure of restraint for his client.

On April 15, the Minsk City Court heard an appeal against extension of the detention term, but agreed with a decision of investigators.

Lawyer Andrei Varvashevich reminded: “Earlier, lawyer Sapelka filed a complaint at custody as a measure of restraint, then he appealed against the dismissal in the Minsk City Court, but it didn’t bring success. Later, when Pavel Sapelka stopped working, the measure of restraint was extended. Lawyers appealed against the extension. The appeal was heard in the Tsentralny district court on Monday, but was denied. Then we filed it to the city court, again unsuccessfully.”

According to Radio Svaboda, Andrei Sannikov’s health at the latest meeting with lawyers was “satisfactory”.

A representative of Minsk prosecutor’s office, Syarhei Balashou, said on April 15 that a criminal case against Andrei Sannikov over organizing “mass riot” was sent to court. This offence carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.

Balashou also specified that Illya Vasilyeu, Aleh Hnedchyk, Fyodar Mirzayanau and Uladzimir Aromenka, charged with taking part in riot, were involved in the same case as Andrei Sannikov.