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Trial of pro-opposition singer-songwriter begins in Minsk District Court

The trial of pro-opposition singer-songwriter Ihar Simbirow, who was arrested during an open-air performance near Minsk on Sunday, began in the Minsk District Court on Monday.

Mr. Simbirow, another singer-songwriter Zmitser Bartosik and 13 spectators were rounded up by police in a woody area near the Zyalyonaye railroad station in the Zhdanovichy district, Minsk region, and brought to the district police department.

After giving their fingerprints and written accounts of what happened, all detainees but Mr. Simbirow were released without a charge.

The following day the activist of the "Tell the Truth!" movement was brought to the Minsk District Court to stand trial on charges of disobedience to police officers and disorderly conduct.

"Police witnesses gave such contradictory evidence that the charge of disobeying police officers was dropped," opposition activist Yury Hanchar told BelaPAN. "Simbirow now stands accused only of using obscene language and behavior in a public place. How can a forest be a public place?"

The trial is scheduled to continue on May 18.

Mr. Simbirow was arrested a few hours after leaving the detention center on Akrestsina Street upon the completion of a 10-day jail term. //BelaPAN