Christian Ivan Mikhajlau release on recognizance
1- 9.03.2010, 12:04
A panel of judges of Minsk regional court has studied the cassational appeal of Ivan Mikhajlau who had been imprisoned for alleged draft evasion.
It has been decided to find the ruling of Minsk district court not lawful, and release Ivan Mikhajlau from Zhodzina prison on recognizance until the new consideration of the case, Radio Svaboda informs.
We remind that Mikhajlau was detained in Salihorsk. On December 15 a criminal case for “draft evasion” (Article 435.1 of the Criminal Code) was opened against the member of the Jewish Messianic congregation “New Covenant”. The young man refused to go to military service as it contradicts his religious believes, and he demanded to offer him civil service under Article 57 of the Constitution of Belarus.
“Amnesty International” recognized Ivan Mikhajlau a prisoner of conscience.
The term of detention of Ivan Mikhajlau was to end on May 15. However, judges decided to release him on recognizance. The date of the new court is to be announced later.
