Opposition politician says judges to answer for politically-motivated convictions

May 24, Pozirk. The trial of Franak Viačorka, exiled regime critic and aide to opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja, will open at 10.30 am on May 31, says the electronic court schedule.
Judge Valancina Ziańkievič, known for passing harsh sentences in politically-motivated cases, will preside over proceedings which will be held without the defendant being present.
Three months ago, the Investigative Committee accused Viačorka of conspiracy to overthrow the government, high treason, inciting hatred, organizing mass riots, participating in protests, calling for sanctions, discrediting Belarus, defaming Alaksandar Łukašenka and extremism-related crimes.
“Let them choke on their special proceedings and their charges,” Viačorka has told Pozirk in a comment on the upcoming trial. “I don’t recognize their ‘trial’ but I will do my best to hold accountable this HUBAZiK [a short name for interior ministry’s organized crime unit] clad in robes, as well as all those involved in the reprisals against Belarusians.”
The politician pledged to fight for the liberation of Belarus from Łukašenka’s rule and the release of all people imprisoned in politically-motivated cases.
The Investigative Committee filed criminal charges against hundreds of exiled activists. The Committee for State Security (KGB) also has a list of people it seeks to prosecute in absentia.
Amendments listing 34 offenses and allowing for investigations and trials in absentia came into effect in July 2022.

Authorities step up reprisals ahead of Coordination Council vote
- PoliticsOpposition members meet with Trump officialThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyRussia blocks melon shipment to BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SecurityLithuania boosts border control ahead of Zapad-2025The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityPoland arrests Belarusian national, to expel diplomatThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- Politics, SecurityHungarian foreign minister to visit Minsk on September 10The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityBelarusian companies Pielenh and Lehmaš continue to manufacture goods for Russian military, BelPol saysThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyŁukašenka tells bankers to curb inflationThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Politics, Security
- EconomyŁukašenka wants tighter control over bank profitsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Society
- Politics, Security
- PoliticsKGB brands nine people as terroristsThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyBody of presumed irregular migrant found in Lithuania near Belarus borderThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsŁukašenka reaffirms readiness to visit North KoreaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityIrregular Belarus-EU crossings exceed 35,000 since JanuaryThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsŁatuška disappointed Moldova’s Sandu received credentials from Belarus' envoyThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsReprisals: student persecuted for signing up for female leadership programThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityCzechia expels Belarusian diplomat suspected of spyingThe material is available only to POZIRK+