Former presidential candidate Nikolai Statkevich and leader of the United Civil Party Anatoli Lebedko, kept in the remand center of the Belarusian KGB, declared a hunger strike. The politicians also refuse to testify, their lawyers said.
According to Telegraf, 17 people, as suspects, are charged with the rioting during the protest in Minsk on the day of presidential elections on December 19. Six former presidential candidates are among them: Rygor Kastusiou, Ales Michalevic, Vladimir Niakliaeu, Vital Rymasheuski, Andrei Sannikov and Nikolai Statkevich.
With regard to the organizers and participants in an unsanctioned rally, a criminal case was brought under Part 1 and 2, Article 293 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (organization and participation in the riots). The participants of the riots can face 3-8 years of imprisonment, the organizers — 5-15 years.
Based on AFN materials
