Pavel Sapelka: “Spy” case doesn't stand up to criticism

The closed trial of Andrei Haidukou restricts his procedural rights.

Pavel Sapelka, a human rights activist and former barrister, spoke to charter97.org about the closed trial of Andrei Haidukou, who is charged with “treason”.

”The situation of Haidukou poses danger to Belarusian civil society for two reasons. Firstly, it is testing the amendments to the Criminal Code adopted in 2011. Secondly, the trial behind closed doors doesn't stand up to criticism and demonstrates the general state of law in Belarus. It's obvious that it has no relation to the need to keep state secrets,” the lawyer is confident.

The human rights defender regards these actions by the authorities as an attempt to scare activists and warn them against any kind of contacts with international organisations.

“Any particular human rights organisation will take decisions basing on the results of the court hearing to define Haidukou's status. It's possible to suggest that the trial behind closed doors will restrict many of his procedural rights. I cannot make any conclusions now. I think we should wait for the court to hear the criminal case. Andrei might be found not guilty,”Pavel Sapelka said.