Ihar Komlik: We Will Be Recognized As Political Prisoners In Any Case

International trade unions are closely monitoring the situation in Belarus.

The consideration of independent REP trade union leaders Hennadz Fiadynich and Ihar Komlik’s appeal has been scheduled by the Minsk City Court to November 9.

“Apparently, in any case, we will be recognized as political prisoners, – Ihar Komlik told palitviazni.info. – The fact that we have not been given a real term of imprisonment does not mean anything. Correctional labor is no less cruel punishment...”

We remind that Fiadynich and Komlik appealed against the verdict of August 24, which found them guilty of “tax evasion” on a large scale and sentenced to four years of correctional labor with a ban on holding senior positions for a period of five years.

“I would like, naturally, the justice to triumph, and all the charges to be dropped on November 9, – Ihar Komlik says. – As soon as this is a political case, it is not known what orders will be given. But at the same time I understand perfectly well that no one will cancel the court’s decision. If the court declares us not guilty, then they will have to pay us the compensation. But our greedy state will never allow it.”

– In the West, they are well aware that this case is more political than criminal, – Ihar Komlik says. – And it has already been stated that in any case, we will be recognized as political prisoners. The fact that we have not been given a real term of imprisonment does not mean anything. Correctional labor is no less cruel punishment, as there are a lot of restrictions.

According to the union leader, international trade unions continue to closely monitor the developments.

“This is becoming a constant subject of discussion on various forums, – he adds. – Such attention will not disappear anywhere in the future.”