PACE rapporteur condemns sentences against Andrey Kim, nine other youths

In a trial that drew to a close earlier this week, Andrey Kim, who has been held in custody since this January, was given a prison sentence, while the other youths also were convicted but will not be sent to prison.

«The sentences handed down against these young political activists are harsh, unjustified, and constitute an abuse of the criminal justice system for political purposes,» Mr. Rigoni said in an April 25 statement.

«I respect these courageous youths for engaging in political activities and defending their ideas in spite of the risks that they run,» the rapporteur said.

Mr. Rigoni noted that he continued «to support dialogue with the broadest spectrum of actors in Belarus, including the authorities.» «But they should not have any illusions: unless they prove, through consistent acts, that they respect human rights and democratic principles, they will contribute to deepening their own isolation,» he warned.

The PACE rapporteur said that the release of several political prisoners earlier this year «showed that the authorities have a clear understanding of what steps they should take to bring Belarus closer to Europe.» However, he added, Europe will never content itself with «mere tactical or cosmetic changes.»

Mr. Kim was sentenced to 18 months in a minimum security correctional institution. Seven of the accused — Mikhail Pashkevich, Alyaksey Bondar, Artsyom Dubski, Ales Straltsow, Ales Charnyshow, Mikhail Kryvaw and Tatsyana Tsishkevich — were sentenced to two years’ «corrective labor at the place of residence,» which means that a certain amount will be deducted from their income during the two years.

The remaining two defendants, Uladzimir Syarheyew and Anton Koypish, were each slapped with a fine of 100 times the Base Rate, which currently total 3,500,000 rubels ($1,640).

All of them were found guilty on a public disorder charge. In addition, Mr. Kim was found guilty of committing violence against a police officer.