Homel: dry hunger-strike and fines

Uladzimir Katsora, an oppositionist from Homel and organizer of the People’s Assembly, was taken to the Tsentralny district police department, where a report under article 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (violation of order of holding mass events) was drawn up on him.

Katsora was detained at noon on 8 October on his way to the Assembly. Oppositionist Vasil Paliakou and human rights activist Leanid Sudalenka, detained with Katsora, were set free. “Policemen said Katsora would remain in the detention facility until trial on Monday, 10 October. Uladzimir went on dry hungry strike protesting against the illegal detention,” Paliakou told BelaPAN news agency.

Member of the United Civil Party Uladzimir Niapomniashchykh, detained on 7 October for distributing information materials about the People’s Assembly, is in the detention facility, too.

On 10 October Katsora and Niapomniashchykh were tried. Judge Alena Tsalkova found Uladzimir Niapomniashchykh guilty of violating Article 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and fined him 175,000 rubles.

Uladzimir Katsora challenged Judge Maryna Damnenka, but the challenge wasn't granted. The judge fined him 350,000 rubles.