82-Year-Old Pensioner To Judge: White-Red-White Flag Is My Native

The Central district court of Minsk considered the case of Safiya Minko, born in 1939.

Today, the Central district court of Minsk considered the case of Safiya Minko, born in 1939. She was detained during the March of Pensioners on December 7, and, in connection with her “deliberate expression of civic and political moods” was accused under Part 1 of Article 23.34. Onliner has published several quotations from the courtroom.

— Do you have the citizenship of the Republic of Belarus? — judge Dzmitry Karasiuk started the trial.

— Of course.

— Your education?

— 10.

— Family?

— A grandson, a daughter, and a son-in-law. My hubby died 10 years ago.

— Your pension?

— About BYN 450.

— Let me clarify to you your rights…

— We have no rights.

The judge disregarded this remark and finished his introductory speech.

— Do you want to file any petitions?

— What is this?

— Any pleas to the court?

— Oh… What can I ask you? I believe I am totally in-no-cent.

From the official protocol: on December 7 Safiya Minko from 13:00 to 13:15 “deliberately violated the established order of the street procession, took an active part in the unauthorized organized mass movement of a group of citizens in the amount of 50 people along the pedestrian part of the streets and Independence Avenue without the permission of the Minsk City Executive Committee, for the purpose of public expression of their civic and political moods.” Minko moved with the participants of the procession and held a white-red-white flag in her hands.

— Is everything clear?

— I got everything right. I was walking alone. I was carrying the flag in my hands - where else was I supposed to carry it? There was no column. I don’t deny that I was walking. From the Round Square to the bus stop to take a #4 bus.

— What was the purpose of having a flag with you?

— Because this is my native flag. This is my personal protest against the lawlessness.

— Do you admit that you wanted to express your civic and political moods?

— Yes, yes! But I was walking alone.

— Have you endeavoured to get permission for your protest?

— Where? How? See how old I am. What else can I say? I am not afraid.

From the side of the witnesses, a police officer “Aliaksandr Aliaksandravich” spoke. He confirmed via Skype that Minko was moving in a group. Out of 50 people, 5 were detained, “as many as we managed …”.

Judge Karsiuk, having considered the case, ruled to find Minko guilty and subject her to an administrative penalty in the form of the fine for 10 base fees, or 270 rubles.

The decision can be appealed to the Minsk City Court within 10 days.

— Do you understand the essence of the decision?

— Well, you’ve made it, what can I try to understand here...