Court fails to prove fact of “swearing” by Vinahradau

A police report in Vinahradau’s administrative case was sent back for revising. The activist was released until trial.

The Maskouski district court of Minks held trial over Pavel Vinahradau, a former political prisoner and activist of Tell the Truth campaign, Viasna human rights centre informs.

He was to be released from a detention centre in Akrestin Street on March 2 after 10 days in custody. But his friends and relatives did not see him on that day.

His wife Svyatlana learned at night Pavel was in the detention centre again. A police officer told her on the phone Pavel Vinahradau had been detained by policemen from the Maskouski district police department and taken to the detention facility for an offence. He told the activist would stand trial on Monday.

Pavel Vinahradau was accused of disorderly conduct (article 17.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of Belarus) – he was allegedly swearing after the release from the detention centre. The administrative case was heard by judge Yauheny Khatkevich.

District police office Davidzyuk and another witness, policeman from the Maskouski district police department Listapadau, gave evidence against Pavel.

Policemen said Vinahradau had been swearing near Yarmarka shop. He was detained after the release from the detention facility (after 5:30 pm of March 2). According to the policemen, they were on patrol when they heard Vinahradau swearing. Vinahraday said it was lies. Pavel denied a lawyer and did not file any motions.

The judge sent the police report for revising to the Maskouski district police department. Vinahradau was released until trial.