Interior Ministry’s Pensioner: If I Had Worn Uniform Now, I’d Have Taken It Off After Freedom Day

Valer Kurcheuski from Hrodna intends to take on to the Square further on, in order “to stay human”.

The Hrodna regional court has not satisfied the appeals against the decisions of the Leninski district court of Hrodna, filed by the MIA pensioner Valer Kurcheuski and HR defender Edward Dzmukhouski.

The latter were convicted for the participation in the “Non-Parasites March” which was held in Hrodna on March 15.

Valer Kurcheuski was fined for 15 base fees (Bn 345) by the Lenin district court of Hrodna. During consideration of the appeal he was trying to prove to the judge that he had violated no laws: the right to freedom of speech, meetings and assemblies is granted to him and other citizens of the country by the Constitution.

Valer Kurcheuski has told how he went to the editor’s office of the state newspaper asking to publish his thoughts about the situation in the country, went to the “deputy” so that the latter would raise the sore issues in the “parliament”:

- However, all of my arguments remained unheard, it’s just no one appeared to need them. Still, I do not regret having come to the demonstration and spoken up to the people. I will say what I think further on, as I want to remain human. I only regret I have started doing it so late.

After the consideration of the appeal, Kurcheuski has told Radio Liberty that many of his colleagues eye askance at him, some even try to mock him.

- I will be honest, if I had worn the police uniform now, I would have taken it off and put it aside… especially after the events in Minsk. I don’t regret having come out to the Square with the people: our people deserve to have defenders. I would like to thank everyone who supported me morally.