Belarusian economist fined over participating in Chernobyl Path rally


On May 17, a Minsk court imposed a fine of 225 rubles (about $110) on well-known Belarusian economist Syarhei Chaly for participating in the unauthorized Chernobyl Path rally.

The judge did not take into account contradictions in the testimony provided by the policemen who were witnessing in court.

“It was enough for him to hear that I showed up at the place of gathering and marched as part of the column. But he ignored the fact that I was dressed in a way different from what the witness was saying,” the economist told Belsat TV.

According to Chaly, the policeman also stated he was spotted near the memorial sign to the victims of the Chernobyl disaster, although he failed to get to it.

As reported earlier, the organizing committee withdrew their application to hold the time-honoured Chernobyl Path march in late April due to the city authorities’ demand to pay 5,737 Belarusian rubles (appr. $2,800) for the police services at the event. In addition, the organizers were expected to disburse 215 rubles to municipal workers and 240 – to paramedics. However, in spite of the lack of the Minsk authorities’ permission, the activists gathered together near the Academy of Sciences on April 26 at 18:00 and marched along the streets to the Chernobyl victims memorial chapel.

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Unsanctioned Chernobyl Path rally held in Minsk
2019.04.29 07:53

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