Dankov loses 30kg during investigation

The trial of businessman Yuri Dankov has begun in Minsk's Maskouski district court.

Radio Svaboda's journalist attended the first hearing.

Judge Natallia Kuzniatsova said the trial would be held behind closed doors. Yuri Dankov looks thin and tired, but he smiled to people in the courtroom.

The case has 45 volumes. Dankov pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Dankov's wife Natallia declined to give comments, but promised to do that later. Natallia says she saw her husband only once, in August 2013, during 12 months of investigation. Natallia says he lost 30 kilogrammes.

She says she took over the family business after Dankov's arrest. Natallia Dankova doesn't rule out the possibility that Dankoff Club may close in the nearest future. Opening hours were reduced, the club now closes at 22:00.

Yuri Dankov has been into custody since his arrest in September 2012. He is charged with committing several offences, including keeping a brothel, forcing into prostitution, forgery and tax avoidance.