The persecution of trade union activists continues in Belarus. Today another trial over Maksim Senik, former activist of the primary trade union organization of the Belarusian Independent Trade Union at Hrodna Azot, was held in Hrodna. The prosecutor's office demanded to punish Maksim with imprisonment.
It is known that the trial has been going on for a week already. The activist of the independent trade union is charged under several articles of the Criminal Code: 368 part. 1 – Insult of the President of the Republic of Belarus; 361 part 4 p.2 – Contribution to extremist organizations. 2 – Contribution to extremist activity; 361 para. 4(1) - Contribution to extremist activity; 361 para. 4(2) - Contribution to extremist activity. 1 – Facilitation of extremist activity.
The prosecutor asked for 4 years and 6 months in prison for the BNP activist. The hearing is presided by judge of Hrodna Regional Court Mikalai Rachynski. The verdict will be passed next week.
It is noteworthy that the trial is taking place in parallel with the annual meeting of the International Labour Conference. At which the delegates will have to decide whether or not to apply measures to the Belarusian government to stop repressions against the Belarusian trade union activists.
Currently, more than four dozen trade union leaders and activists of democratic trade unions are imprisoned in colonies and prisons, while independent trade unions are banned in the country.