Judge Kashkina to Try Zmitser Dashkevich

19.10.2007. Tags: Young Front, criminal persecution, Dashkevich.
Source: RFE/RL.

The case against Young Front leader Zmitser Dashkevich has been sent to Shklou district court. The activist who is already serving the sentence of 18 months, is facing another 6-month term. The prosecutor’s office of Shklou district needed only one day to study the case of Zmitser Dashkevich, to agree with the conclusions of the investigation about the guilt of the activist and send the case to Shklou court. “On October 15th the case was sent to the prosecutor’s office, and on October 16th it was sent to court. I have no idea when the trial will start. It is up to the court to decide”, -- investigator Siarhei Lokh told RFE/RL. Let us remind the readers, Zmitser Dashkevich was accused of refusal to testify against activists of Young Front. Dashkevich faces a penalty of up to 6 months of imprisonment. According to lawyer Alexander Haliyeu, who defends Dashkevich, he does not plead guilty. The activist believes he has the right to refuse to testify as he was prosecuted in the similar circumstances and his testimony might be used against him. The law allows an individual not to testify against him- or herself. In Shklou prison Zmitser had to do hard work, and even got into hospital. How does he feel now? Investigator Siarhei Lokh, who has seen Zmitser recently, says: “He is ok. At least, he didn’t complain”. The case against Dashkevich is to be considered by judge Tatsiana Kashkina. The date of the beginning of the trial is still not appointed. Last year Young Front leader Zmitser Dashkevich was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment for participation in an unregistered organization. This year a number of Young Front activists were found guilty and fined under the same charge.