Son of Viktar Babaryka sentenced to 8 years in prison in Minsk
The Minsk Regional Court sentenced on Wednesday, July 5, the son of the former candidate for the presidency of Belarus, Viktor Babariko Eduard, to 8 years in prison, informs the human rights center Viasna. He was convicted of large-scale tax evasion, money laundering, organizing riots and inciting hatred. The prosecutor asked him for 10 years – two years longer than the final sentence.
Eduard Babariko was arrested along with his father on June 18, 2020 – since then he has been imprisoned. Prior to his arrest, he headed Viktar Babaryka’s campaign headquarters. Edward pleaded not guilty. “I didn’t commit any of the crimes I’m accused of. The investigation found no evidence of my guilt,” he said in court.
The defense tried to subpoena as a witness the defendant’s father, Viktar Babaryka, whose state of health has not been reported for over 60 days. The court granted the request, but it is not known whether the father has ruled in his son’s case.
“Edik was arrested because his father dared to put forward his candidacy. Lukashenka is cruel, vindictive – and this has been clear for a long time. Yes, this is revenge, this is a very demonstrative punishment. It seems to me that this is the most painful punishment for the parents when by their actions – realize that there was nothing wrong, their children respond, “said Babariko’s girlfriend, Alexandra Zvereva, in an interview with the BBC.
Source: DW
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