Aliaksandar Milinkevich: “This is a political revenge over those who wanted to hold open and legal observation of the election” :: Charter'97 :: News

Today judge of the Minsk Central district court Leanid Yasinovich has passed sentences to the activists of the public organization “Partnership”. Mikola Astreika is sentenced to 2 years in custody of general regime, Tsimafei Dranchuk - to 1 year in custody of general regime, Aliaksandar Shalaika and Enira Branitskaya - to 6 months of imprisonment. Leader of the united democratic forces Aliaksandar Milinkevich comments on the sentence to the “Partnership” activists:

- People will memorize this sentence as a political revenge over those who wanted to hold open and legal observation of the election. The trial of the activists of the public organization “Partnership” was staged to frighten those who defended their right to look at the hands of the powers.
When the regime realized its actions during the election itself and the election campaign can be unmasked, it picked the activists to be a target. The crimes that the young people are charged with can be incriminated as well to thousands of Belarusians who show their civil activity and seek changes.

The trial of the “Partnership” is indicative of the despotism of the administration and command law and outrage of the power.

I admire the courage of these people and their families who in spite of the harsh pressing exercised by the powers defend their position, their right to live according to the principals of morality and law.