Trial of oppositionist Valery Tsepkala begins in Belarus
On Wednesday, March 1, a trial in absentia of oppositionist Valery Tsapkala, a participant in the 2020 presidential campaign, began in Minsk. The trial is taking place in absentia, as the politician and former head of Hi-Tech Park (HTP) is hiding abroad from persecution.
Belarusian authorities charge Tsepkala under 11 criminal articles at once. They concern both his political activities and alleged violations committed while working at the HTP.
Among the accusations leveled against Tsepkala are accepting bribes, abuse of power, calling for the seizure of power, creating an extremist group, discrediting Belarus and slandering and insulting Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko.
Special production regarding Tsepkalo
Valery Tsepkala’s case is being tried within the framework of so-called special proceedings, which are instituted against the defendant, who is outside Belarus. Tsepkala’s interests are represented by a lawyer at the hearing.
Valery Tsepkalo became known in the mid-90s as one of the leaders of Lukashenka’s campaign headquarters in the 1994 presidential elections. After Lukashenka’s victory, he entered the circle of the state elite, among other things, held the posts of deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus and Ambassador of Belarus to the United States and Mexico. Tsepkalo gained great popularity after the opening of the Hi-Tech Park, which he headed for more than ten years.
In the spring of 2020, Valery Tsepkalo announced his desire to run for president, but he was denied registration. Then Tsepkalo’s wife, Veronika, entered Svetlana Tikhanovskaya’s campaign headquarters. After the disputed elections, which, according to official data, Lukashenka won, the Tsepkalo family left Belarus. In exile, they began to create political structures aimed at combating the Lukashenka regime.
Source: DW
Anna White is a journalist at 247 News Reel, where she writes on world news and current events. She is known for her insightful analysis and compelling storytelling. Anna’s articles have been widely read and shared, earning her a reputation as a talented and respected journalist. She delivers in-depth and accurate understanding of the world’s most pressing issues.