Ivan Mihailov, who was convicted for refusing to serve in army on religious beliefs, is fully acquitted. This decision was made on May 4 by Minsk city court. 21-year-old parishioner of New Testament community refused to perform military service in December 2008.
Refused from conscription, the young man asked for an alternative service in accordance with article 57 of the Constitution of Belarus, European Radio for Belarus reports. His request was denied due to the fact that there is no alternative civilian service in Belarus. It was also denied Ivan Mikhailov to serve in reserve.
February 1, 2010 Minsk district court sentenced the young man to three months of arrest for evading military service. Amnesty International human rights organization has recognized Ivan Mikhailov as prisoner of conscience. In March, the case was sent for retrial. Parishioner of New Testament community was released under the recognizance not to leave.
