Belarusian youth activist Andrei Kim remains in custody

A Minsk court on 14 February held a hearing behind closed doors at which it decided not to release Andrei Kim from custody and he will remain in a remand prison until his trial. The judge refused to consider other preventive measures despite the personal guarantees of around 50 lawyers, politicians, human rights defenders and others.

The youth activist from the group “Initiative” is being held in remand after being detained during the protest actions held by business people on 21 January. He was jailed then for 10 days.  After serving this term of administrative arrest, he was placed in the remand prison and is facing charges under Article 364 of the Criminal Code (threats or violent action against police officers). If convicted, Andrei Kim could be sentenced to six years in prison.

Based on information at www.charter97.org