Political prisoner Dashkevich has trial in prison

The trial on the new criminal case against one of the leaders of youth opposition movement Zmiter Dashkevich is taking place in the common regime colony № 17 in Shklou (Mahilou area) 6 November.

It should be reminded that Z. Dashkevich is serving his term of punishment on accusation of activity on behalf of the unregistered organization “Young Front”. Zmiter was sentenced to 1.5 year of imprisonment1 November 2006. The trial was closed to the public.

14 August 2007 a new criminal case was brought up against 26-years-old youth activist – on the article 402 (refusal or evasion of a witness or a complainant to give evidence) that provides the punishment of up to 3 years of imprisonment. Dashkevich is accused of the refusal to give evidence on the criminal case against Ivan Shila, who was also accused of activity on behalf of the unregistered organization “Young Front”. Shila was found guilty 4 November. The court warned him officially.

Amnesty International recognized Z. Dashkevich a prisoner of conscience, and the Belarusian opposition has created a committee on his release and organized an international campaign of the solidarity with the young politician aiming at informing the wide public about the case of Dashkevich.