10 day’s incarceration for stickers “No to death penalty!”

Ihar Shalaj has spent 10 days in prison for pasting stickers.

Ihar Shalaj was detained near the building of the Interior Affairs Ministry in Minsk for pasting stickers “No to death penalty!” Two policemen took him to the police department of Savetski district of Minsk, Viasna human rights centre informs.

A report was drawn up against Ihar Shalaj on charges relating article 17.1 of the Administrative Code (“Petty hooliganism”). He spent the night before the trial in the police department of Savetski district of Minsk.

On April 25 the administrative case was tried by the court of Savetski district of Minsk. Policemen Baryseuski and Anapenka were to be witnesses. However none of them attended the session of the court, allegedly because of illnesses. A policeman who testified in the court, stated that after detention Ihar Shalaj started to act aggressively, used foul language, and was not responding to policemen’s words.

At court Shalaj stated that he considers himself a believer, so he never uses foul speech. However, the court of Savetski district of Minsk sentenced him to 10 days’ arrest. Ihar Shalaj served the administrative arrest in the Centre for Isolation of Delinquents in Akrestsin Street.