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Graffitist Kasinerau: They Failed To Intimidate Us

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Graffitist Kasinerau: They Failed To Intimidate Us
VIACHASLAU KASINERAU
PHOTO: RADIO SVABODA

The person involved in “the case of graffitists”, Viachaslau Kasinerau, has stated that he would continue the struggle in order to obtain justice.

Viachaslau Kasinerau said so in his interview to Radio Racyja, as he commented the fact that the Belarusians had already raised about $1,000 for paying the fines of “the graffitists”:

– Personally I was greatly surprised when I learnt that such an initiative was started. We all are extremely moved by this solidarity. Besides, so many reposts on social networks were made in several hours, and when we read them, we saw that it concerned even foreign countries – money were transferred to us even from Australia and America. It was even strange, in a sense. At the same time it was pleasant, though.

– The court trial is a history, or is it still discussed by you?

– The court trial is over, we have drawn conclusions. Now we should move on, as new questions arise. We have experienced enough, but it is really history. Now we are considering some new tasks and objectives for us, we plan further activities. The main thing is that we haven’t been intimidated.

– Your jawbone was broken last year during the detention. Is examination of this case continued?

– Yes, I have visited an investigator on this issue today. I still hope that the culprits could be brought to responsibility. Generally speaking, they could have closed the case long before if desired, but some process is going on there. Moreover, I think that the case had attracted public attention, that is why investigators are also following what I am saying to journalists, how independent lawyers comment on the case. That is why I am going to fight to the end.

Earlier charter97.org informed that on August 11 five guys were brutally detained as suspects in three criminal cases: painting two graffiti in Belarusian, “Belarus Must Be Belarusian” and “The Revolution of consciousness is already in progress...,” and painting over a social billboard with an image of policemen.

The Investigative Committee accused Maxim Piakarski, Viachaslau Kasinerau and Vadzim Zharomski under Article 339 part 2, “Hooliganism committed by a group of persons.”

The trial in the “graffitists’ case” started in the court of Frunzenski district of Minsk on January 25. It started with a rally of solidarity with graffiti artists. Two young guys, Pavel Siarhei and Maxim Shytsikau unfurled a banner “No to political persecution!” , one of them was chanting “Art is not a crime!” and “This is not a trial, but a circus!” The young guys were beaten up for that by policemen in the court building, then fined $459 and $500.

A journalist of tut.by Pavel Dabravolski, who captured on video how the activists were expelled from the courtroom, was detained together with the protesters and beaten up. As said by the detainees, they were kicked dozens of times. The sound of the battery was heard in the courtroom.

The court of Frunzenski district of Minsk fined the graffiti artists: Viachaslau Kasinerau was fined 30 basic units, Maxim Piakarski – 40 basic units, and Vadzim Zharomski – 50 basic units.

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