Oppositionist from Vitebsk fined for 200 thousands

Barys Khamaida was accused of allegedly provoking a fight with a shop’s administrator.

The judge of the October district’s court Alena Tsygankova found him guilty in accordance with the article 17.1 of the Administrative code, spring96.org reports.

Barys Khamaida has been spreading independent newspapers and holding rallies for a number of years near the shop, which is located at the first floor of the so-called “blue house”.

The incident considered in the court happened on 6 September. On that day policemen approached the activist and asked to leave the place at the entrance of the shop – to put away the table with newspapers and magazines under a white-red-white umbrella.

“When I refused, the policemen discussed something with the shop’s administration. And in some time the administrator came out and stated that at the place I was standing will be used for trading outside. She grasped a white-red-white ribbon with the Pahonia coat of arms, which is also a coat of arms of the Vitebsk region. I pushed her hand away. But the shop’s administrator stated I was being rude, that I insulted her with my action and called the police”, - said Barys Khamaida.

The judge Alena Tsugankova, which not for the first time tried Barys Khamaida for his political activities, decided to punish the activist with a fine in the amount of 2 basic units, which accounts for 200 thousand roubles.