On June 11, 2024, the criminal case of Volha Brytsikava, the leader of the Naftan workplace union affiliated to the BNP, will be tried in camera by the Vitsebsk Regional Court. She is charged under Part 1 Article 130 of the RB CC with inciting social animosity or discord. The case will be examined by Judge Vladimir Charavach, reports "Viasna".
The case of the political prisoner Volha Brytsikava under this Article was first tried on March 11, 2024, with the last hearing taking place on March 14. In all probability, a verdict was delivered on that day but the outcome was unknown. Since the nature of the charges has not changed, one could suppose that the verdict was appealed and a new court hearing was scheduled.
Volha Britsikava was released in May 2022 after 75 days of arrest for statements against the war. On November 1, 2022, she was detained once more under administrative charges. Two days later, the court found her guilty of disseminating “extremist materials” and she was sentenced to 15 days of arrest. On November 11 she was sentenced to another 15 days of arrest for “unauthorized picketing”. The investigation was triggered by a picture with a slogan “NO TO WAR” that Volha had posted in the social media.
In August 2023 Volha was yet again arrested on the suspicion of committing a crime under Part 1 Article 361 of the RB CC (“public calls for seizing state power or changing the Constitutional order of the Republic of Belarus through use of force or high treason”). However, the charges were changed in the course of investigation.
Support the political prisoner with a letter of a card: СИЗО-2. 210026, г. Витебск, ул. Гагарина, 2, Ольга Игоревна Бритикова.