Leanid Sudalenka: More Solidarity – More Chances To Win

The "trade union’s case" is being monitored not only in Belarus.

Today, the trial in the "trade union’s case" has been continued in Minsk. We remind that the Belarusian authorities persecute the leaders of the independent trade union REP, Hennadz Fiadynich and Ihar Komlik. They are accused of "evasion from payment of taxes in a particularly large amount" (Part 2 of Article 243 of the Criminal Code). But everyone knows that the REP trade union showed its worth during the fight against the scandalous decree on "parasites." Is the "trade union’s case" political and why is it so important to express solidarity with the REP trade union leaders? Charter97.org asked these questions to well-known Homel human rights activist Leanid Sudalenka:

– The "trade union’s case" is a political case. I have already said that politicians started this case and they will close it. The "trade union’s case" has nothing to do with justice. There is a man in the judge’s robe, there is a prosecutor, but the evidence base is absolutely not there.

The investigation made inquiries to Sweden, Lithuania, but they did not get any information from there. The entire charge is based on the assumptions and testimony of two witnesses. I am referring to REP secretary Yuliya Yukhnavets, who, as it turned out, worked for the KGB, and Zhanna Zapryvaryna, who left the union with a scandal. I want to note that this witness is motivated. And the prosecution does not have any other evidence.

If there was a real trial, then the case would have to be terminated in the absence of corpus delicti.

I want to note that the "trade union’s case" is being monitored not only inside the country, but also beyond its borders. The trial is under the attention of international organizations. There is a great public response, a lot is being written about the trial, they are talking about it.

I have been a legal inspector of the REP trade union since 2006 and I want to call upon all not indifferent Belarusians to solidarity. The state media are trying to represent everything in a negative light. This is an extremely beneficial position for the authorities. It should be noted that public organizations have the right to receive financial support, including – from abroad. And the state should not interfere in such issues.

The first day of the trial was indicative in terms of solidarity. I was also present at this trial. Ten people came from my native Homel to support the independent trade union.

On the first day, there was such a large crowd of people that not everyone could get into the courtroom. In addition, I have already noted that a small room was specially chosen for the trial. I filed a complaint against the actions of the judge in the name of the Minsk City Court chairman. My rights were violated. The court is obliged to consider my appeal within 30 days. We are striving to achieve that the fact of non-admission of the public has been acknowledged for the first time in Belarus.

There is a large assembly hall in the courthouse, where Konavalau and Kavaliou were tried for the explosion in the Minsk metro. But we were not given this room. Personally, I was upset to tears that Stanislau Shushkevich, the first head of our country, was not allowed to the courtroom. An old man with a walking stick – and he was not allowed to the trial because of the room's capacity. The judge stated at the very beginning of the trial that there are enough people to start the meeting. And the judge did not care about the fact that on the other side of the door there were 50 more people. That is why I filed a complaint and want to prove that the resonance of the trial is not determined by the capacity of the courtroom. With such success, she could hold the meetings in her office. Five people would participate, including the prosecutor. Where is the publicity? Where is openness?

All this shows the problems of our judicial system. The judge did not have the right to begin the trial until the last of those willing to present would find a place in the hall.

I call on all Belarusians to solidarity with the independent REP trade union. The more people express their solidarity – the more chances for Hennadz Fiadynich and Ihar Komlik to win. It is clear that most likely the verdict will not be absolvent, but I would like it to be as mild as possible. It should be noted that Fiadynich and Komlik have a respectable age – they both are over 60 years old. Their stay in places of restriction of freedom is associated with risks to life.