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Opposition activist in Minsk sentenced to 10 days in jail over protest against foreign military bases

A judge of the Tsentralny District Court in Minsk on Monday sentenced opposition activist Mikalay Hladyshaw to 10 days in jail for staging a one-man demonstration against the establishment of foreign military bases in Belarus.

Judge Viktoryya Shabunya found the activist of the United Civic Party guilty of acting in violation of regulations governing “mass events.”

Mr. Hladyshaw told BelaPAN right after the trial that he although he did not consider himself guilty or regret his protest, he would not appeal the judge’s decision.

On Monday afternoon, Mr. Hladyshaw came to the Russian embassy, displaying a sign saying "No to foreign military bases! Away with Russian troops!"

"No one threatens Belarus, that is why I don't want our country to pose a threat to foreign states," Mr. Hladyshaw told reporters.

Two police officers immediately approached them and asked who had given them the right to take photographs and video footage.

About 15 minutes later, Mr. Hladyshaw rolled up the sign and walked away under police escort. The policemen recorded the passport data of several journalists, but none of them were arrested.

On July 4, Mr. Hladyshaw hung a sign saying, “No to Russian Airbases on Belarusian Land,” on a fence opposite the building of the Mahilyow City Executive Committee and stood there for about an hour and a half until being arrested by a policeman.

On August 15, Mr. Hladyshaw was found guilty of acting in violation of regulations governing mass events over the demonstration and sentenced to a fine of one million rubels (some $110).

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on April 23 that Russia was planning to deploy a fighter jet regiment in Belarus by 2015, and that the two countries were beginning to consider establishing a Russian airbase in Belarus.

The announcement sparked a barrage of criticism from Belarusian opposition groups.

The Russian Air Force commander, Viktor Bondarev, said on June 26 that the airbase would be located in Lida, Hrodna region, and begin operation later in the year.