Student Activist Goes On Trial In Minsk

Alyaksander Barazenka

A student activist in Belarus faces trial in the capital, Minsk, today.

Alyaksandr Barazenka is charged with "active participation in group actions grossly disturbing the public peace" in connection with a demonstration held in downtown Minsk on January 10 against a government crackdown on small-business owners.

Thirteen youths were later charged under the Criminal Code in connection with that demonstration; nine of them were sentenced to two years of "restricted freedom" without being sent to jail.

RFE/RL's Belarus Service reports that Barazenka has been detained since October 27.

On December 7, riot police broke up a demonstration by young opposition activists held in support of Barazenka.