Pruzhany Resident Sentenced To Two Years In Colony For 'Insulting Serviceman'

Judge Ihar Kashko passed the sentence.

On June 19, 29-year-old Siarhei Kemezh, who was serving his term at the place of residence, was sentenced in Lida district court for "insulting a serviceman" to two years in prison and 100 basic fines. He was tried under Article 369 of the Criminal Code ("insulting a representative of the authorities"). Such a sentence was handed down by Ihar Kashko on the proposal of prosecutor Mikita Myslivets, reported human rights activists.

According to the prosecution, in December 2021, Siarhei Kemezh "after reading the information in the Vkontakte social network, posted an insulting comment against the commander of one of the military units. It is alleged that he was registered under a false name and used the VPN.

It should be noted that Siarhei Kemezh has already been previously tried for posting an insulting comment on Vkontakte on January 25, 2021 under the news about the sentence for insulting the commander of the riot police department of Minsk about this policeman. The case was heard in the court of Pruzhany district in September 2021 under article 369, part 1 of article 208 of the Criminal Code. Judge Vadzim Mazol sentenced him to two years of restricted freedom with placement in a correctional institution ("place of residence"), as well as to pay 3,000 rubles for moral damages. In total, the man was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months.

In September 2022, Siarhei was included in the "list of extremists" with a note that he was serving his sentence. Siarhei Kemezh was serving his sentence at the place of residence.

On June 22, Siarhei turned 29 years old.

Support political prisoner: Siarhei Kemezh, prison #1, 1 Kirov Street, Hrodna, 230023.