Trial over Aleh Surhan postponed, oppositionist remains in detention facility

The Vitsebsk oppositionist remains in a detention facility in spite of his request to change the measure of restraint.

The trial over Aleh Surhan was postponed, because a lawyer was not able to attend it. As Radio Svaboda reports, Aleh Surhan remains in a detention. Judge of the Kastrychnitski district court of Vitsebsk Aleh Burunou dismissed Aleh Surhan’s request to change the measure of restraint.

Surhan has been in the detention facility since January 27. The oppositionist is accused of attacking a militiaman. He faces up to six years in prison.

On September 3, 2009, Aleh Surhan and his younger brother Taras Surhan were detained by militiamen at a bus stop near the medical university, where a national white-red-white flag was hung out. Taras Surhan was set free, but his brother was taken to a Kastrychnitski district militia department.

Aleh Surhan claims, the first report, drawn up for taking part in an unauthorized action with a flag, disappeared. The second report says he was drunk in public, using obscene language, insulting militiamen.

Aleh Surhan also says he was beaten and tortured in the militia department on September 3. Taras Surhan called for emergency ambulance when he saw his brothers. Medical workers recorded head injury and bruises on arms.

The militiaman, who says Surhan had bitten his finger, underwent medical examination a month later – on September 30. Aleh Surhan was to be at large until the trial.