The well-known public activist Yan Hryb has been punished with a fine of 40 basic units, or 1,160 BYN, for participating in the March of Wisdom, which took place in Minsk on January 4.
As Mr Hryb told Belsat, the next day after the street action, the police came to his home and forcibly took him to the local police department. The police drew up a protocol against him on an administrative offense under Article 23.34 for participating in an unauthorized mass event.
He was then taken to the local court, where the trial was held. Yan Hryb refused to participate in the hearing in protest against the unjust and illegal actions of the police and courts. He never pleaded guilty either.
While Yan Hryb remained in the corridor, the judge ruled to punish the pensioner with a fine of 1,160 rubles, which significantly exceeds the amount of his pension. Mr Hryb, 84, later had to return home on his own.
