The court of the Oktyabrsky district of Minsk sentenced 18-year-old Sophia Malashevich to two years in a general regime colony, who, during a September protest rally, spray-painted shields of special equipment of the security forces who blocked the demonstrators from moving to the residence of President Alexander Lukashenko. TASS reports.
Malashevich was found guilty under articles of the Criminal Code of Belarus on hooliganism and participation in actions that grossly violate public order. In addition, the girl was charged with publicly insulting the president.
A punishment of two years in a general regime colony requested the state prosecution. The judges supported the position of the prosecutor.
On September 6, a protest action took place in Minsk, during which the demonstrators headed towards the Palace of Independence – Lukashenka’s working residence. The security forces blocked their movement, including placing special equipment with a fence. After some time, the protesters left the precinct, leaving paint and posters on the fence and billboards.
In Belarus, for the sixth month, the massive protests that began after the presidential elections on August 9 continue. According to official results, Alexander Lukashenko, who ran for a sixth term, received 80 percent of the vote. The opposition considers the elections to be rigged. Four people were killed in clashes with security forces.