The court of the Savetsky district of Minsk found journalist Zmitser Halko guilty of violence against police officers (Article 364 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced him to 4 years of “chemistry” – restriction of freedom with placement in a corrective facility of an open type.
Zmitser was released in the courtroom. He will be obliged to appear at the “chemistry” facility on his own. Judge Alexander Yakunchikhin handed down Galko’s verdict.
Relatives came to support Zmitser at the hearing, as well as his son Ian-Christian, as well as friends and colleagues.
Friends greeting Halko after the hearing. Minsk, 17 July. Photo – Ihar IlyashIn the comment to belsat.eu, he stressed that he does not agree with the verdict and noted the political component of this criminal case.
“If there was no political component, there would not have been a criminal case at all. The only just decision by the court would be a full acquittal. “Chemistry” has its drawbacks — soon everyone will forget about my case, because I’ll not be in prison, but my freedom will still be restricted, it will not be possible to reunite with the family,” said Halko.
Currently Zmitser does not know for sure whether he is going to appeal the verdict.
Earlier, the state prosecutor asked for 3 years in prison for Halko. The journalist did not fully admit his guilt.
Halko was detained for more than 2.5 months. The trial of the journalist began on July 10.
belsat.eu
