June 8, Minsk Central District Court has got down to consideration of administrative cases over "Stop petrol" protesters, organized by Minsk motorists yesterday. Several detainees have been sentenced to heavy fines — up to Br700 thousand.
Thus, action participant Alesia Makas has been fined Br525 thousand. The girl was arrested about 20:30 on Independence Avenue in Yanka Kupala park for holding a banner «Stop petrol,» reported human rights center «Viasna.»
United Civic Party activist Dmitri Kuvalgin tried to defend Alesia Makas during her detention. He was also detained by police and taken to Central police station in Minsk. A young man was fined Br700 thousand.
Meanwhile, special forces soldier Roman Sharbetski, who conducted the arrest of Dmitri Kuvalgin, being a witness at the trial, didn’t admit that he knew the detainee.
According to Telegraf, Belarus motorists held a protest «Stop petrol» after the fuel price rise on June 7 on Independence Avenue in Minsk. Hundreds of cars gathered together on the avenue. They were moving at a low speed with alarms along the avenue, making it difficult to move for the rest of the transport. The protesters stopped from time to time, opening the hood and simulating the car damage.
