'Tsikhanouski case' hearing held behind closed doors with no official explanation
The hearing of the “Tsikhanouski case” in the Homiel Regional Court is held behind closed doors. Officially, such a decision has been made to “ensure the safety of participants in the process and protection of secrets protected by law.” However, it is not explained what the danger is and for whom it is a secret. The chairman of the Regional Court could not explain it in reply to the citizens’ appeal, says the human rights center “Viasna.”
Since June 24, six political prisoners have been tried in the Homiel pre-trial detention center in a closed format: Syarhei Tsikhanouski, Ihar Losik, Mikalai Statkevich, Uladzimir Tsyhanovich, Artsyom Sokau, and Dzmitry Papou. The defendants in the “Tsikhanouski case” are accused of organizing mass riots, actions, flagrantly violating public order, and inciting social hatred in Belarus during the preparation and holding of the presidential elections. Even the relatives of the accused are not allowed to the hearing to “ensure the safety of participants of the trial and protect secrets protected by law.” However, the officials do not give any official explanations for such measures.
Citizens addressed the question about the closed session to the chairman of the regional court.
“Under international law, defendants have the right to a public trial, except in special circumstances. The lack of publicity in the Tsikhanouski’s case calls into question the fairness of this trial,” the citizens’ statement said.
In his reply, Syarhei Shautsou stated that the decisions related to the appointment and preparation of the trial are taken by the judge alone, and the ruling on the appointment of the trial is not subject to appeal. According to the Homiel Regional Court, any interference in the work of judges administering justice is inadmissible and punishable by law.
