In the October district court of Viciebsk December 14 the case was heard Zhelyapov Christopher Savelyevich, local activist of the movement "For Freedom" and a member of the BPF Party. He was charged under part 1 of Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code, in that he allegedly organized an unauthorized picket and went to the white-red-white flag near a monument Karatkevich than expressing his political views and interests.

At the Court was invited to Belarusian translator into Russian Zimansky Vadim Eldarovich, assistant professor of the Viciebsk State University with 26 years of experience. And he Zhelyapau said that he did not need an interpreter, as he would say in Russian. That understand Russian, and Belarusian-spoken witnesses said. The judge Tsarikov Vladimir Mikhailovich, who led the trial, announced that he needed a translator because he can do something does not understand the Belarusian language.

At the hearing attended by about 20 people. To support his friend and associate came public and political activists of the city, representatives of the Belarusian Popular Front party, BCD, the movement "For Freedom".

At the beginning of the trial the judge asked Christopher Zhelyapov whether he pleads guilty of organizing an unsanctioned picket. He received a negative response.

Tatsyana Sevyarynets and Elena Shabunya serving as witnesses, stated that the event was not a picket, and they came there to lay flowers at the monument Karatkevich, giving thus a tribute to the great Belarusian writer, and just chat.

Since the prosecution was called as a witness, a police captain Sergei Veraksa, which drew up a report and gave the course of the case. He said he did not know what he was talking about Christopher and what he did, as sitting in his car and did not come close. But he knows that this was definitely an unauthorized picket. And what is it organized Zhelyapau.

Himself Christopher Zhelyapau asked him a question: "Is the laying of flowers at the monument to the massive event?" And "Why do not you come and warned the participants that, in your opinion, they are participating in an unsanctioned rally, as it usually happens in such cases? ". These questions, Mr. Veraksa not found an answer, but only with a smile, looking at the judge, saying that what has to answer, and if everything is clear.

Before a judge's verdict in his closing remarks, Christopher Zhelyapau said: "What I have tried for the flag" and "Who will show me where it says that you can not walk around with a flag in the protocol says that I organized a rally to express their social and political views?". I came with a flag, so as to express their love and respect for the history of Belarus, the Belarusian culture, Belarusian language, as it is with this I have been associated white-red-white flag. so I think the case is political."

During the closing speech of Christopher witness-policeman Veraksa shouted something to the place than prevented the court and expressed contempt for him, for which he received the remark of the judge. It seems that our police do not respect not only to the citizens and their rights, but also the Belarusian court.

Despite the absurdity of the minutes, the absence of witnesses who would support the charge (except for the policeman who made the protocol, no one was not), and contempt Veraksa policeman, the court issued a predictable decision: Christopher Zhelyapau was found guilty of organizing an unsanctioned picket. But fine as the penalty was not, and a warning was issued. Still in Belarus Now "thaw" and the improvement of relations with Europe. At least, so they say.

Vladimir Bielawski