On 20 December Minsk City Court started the trial in the criminal case against the leaders of the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions - Aliaksandr Yarashuk, his deputy Siarhei Antusevich and the accountant Iryna But-Husaim.
At the trial the charges were read out against the defendants. According to the investigation, chairman of the liquidated Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions Alexander Yarashuk called for strikes for political reasons. In addition, Yarashuk, his deputy Siarhei Antusevich and accountant Iryna But-Husaim are also charged with participation in protests - they are alleged to have publicly shouted slogans, blocked the work of transport and did not obey police demands during the protest marches.
According to human rights activists, they acknowledged what they had done.
The lawyer of accused Yarashuk petitioned for attachment of a number of characteristics and letters of thanks, including from the partners of the BKDP. The court granted this petition.
Earlier the Supreme Court had ruled to suspend the activities of the Belarusian Christian Democracy, allegedly in connection with violations of the Constitution of Belarus.
At the same time, activists of independent trade unions - political prisoners Hennadz Fiadynich, Vasil Berasneu and Vaclav Areshko are tried in Minsk.
The trial is presided by judge Valiantsina Ziankevich.