Hearing of the case brought up against the activists of the youth resistance movement “Zubr” Alyaksandr Kazakou and Zmitser Zubro took place in April 7 in the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk. Alyaksandr Kazakou and Zmitser Zubro were sentenced to two years of restraint of liberty (corrective works).

As we have informed, Alyaksandr Kazakou and Zmitser Zubro were detained on December 28, 2005 in the night for making political graffiti (number 16, which urged to take part in the Day of Solidarity with political prisoners). Young people were placed to the pre-trial detention center for two days. Later they were released with a written undertaking not to leave the place. They were charged with violation of the Article 363 Part 2 of the Criminal Code (insubordination to policemen).

Judge Esman was in charge of the case.

At the moment the activists of the Zubr are at large. Their lawyers are going to challenge the verdict in Minsk city court. After consideration of the cassation appeal the verdict is to come into force.

The human rights center Viasna believes that the criminal prosecution of the youth activists is politically motivated.