Former political prisoner Mauchnau stands trial in Zhodzina

A trial over former political prisoner Alyaksandr Mauchanau and his friend Artsyom Ihnatikau began in Zhodzina on April 2.

The guys are accused of stealing metal from the territory of the forging factory. According to human rights activists, who attended the first trial, Alyaksandr Mauchanau pleaded not guilty. The former political prisoner said he had not dismantled the equipment, but had been gathering rusty metal items in a factory shop that has not been used for many years. Alyaksandr Mauchanau said he had to collect metal junk to earn his living, because he was dismissed from BelAZ plant after the release from prison and could not find another job, Radio Svaboda reports.

If found guilty, Mauchanau may face up to two years of community works, or from three to six months in custody, or up to four years of restriction of freedom, or up to four years of imprisonment.