Minsk-based Yanka Kupala theater actor Artsyom Barodzich was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment in a colony with a reinforced regime without confiscation of property by the court of the Kastrychnitski district of Minsk. The actor will be put behind bars for drug possession with intent to sell (part 2 of article 328 of the Criminal Code). Last fall, i26 grams of marijuana were found in his home.
Earlier, in court, Artsyom Barodzich partially admitted his guilt: he said he kept “weed” at home, but only for himself, not for sale. He said that he had been smoking marijuana for about 6 years. This way the actor was trying to deal with “emotional stress at work”, a heavy load and a busy schedule.
Earlier, the prosecutor demanded for the accused 6 years in prison without confiscation of property.
The lawyer of the actor Katsyaryna Dzemidavets disagreed because, in her opinion, the investigation did not prove that Barodzich kept drugs with intent to sell. The defence insisted not on acquittal, but at least on punishment under part 1 of article number 328 of the Criminal Code. It provides for closed settlement for up to 5 years, or imprisonment from 2 to 5 years.
As it turned out, Artsyom Barodzich had already had a previous conviction for possession and use of marijuana. He served a year of punishment conditionally.
His lawyer is not exactly sure if they will appeal the verdict.
The actor’s colleagues were present in the courtroom. They assured that they did not know about the dependence of Artsyom, and even filed a petition for a softer sentence.
At home, Artsyom Barodzich has a pregnant common-law wife Natallia Samsonava.
