On March 16, human rights activist Yuliya Goryachko got sentenced to a year in prison. She was released from custody on her recognizance not to leave.

On March 16, the Savetski District Court of Minsk passed a verdict in the criminal case of Yuliya Goryachko, a political prisoner of a human rights activist. Yuliya was accused of “other preparation of persons to participate in group actions that grossly violate the public order or active participation in them” – this is the second part of the infamous article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. The case was considered by the “judge” Siarhei Shatyla.

The “fair” investigation and trial story

Yulia got detained on July 14, 2021. The girl spent the first night in the police station, then seven days in Okrestsin. After her arraignment, the human rights defender and activist were kept in pre-trial detention facility No. 1 in Minsk.

• According to the materials of the indictment, from August 2020 till July 14, 2021, being both on the territory of the Republic of Belarus and abroad, Yuliya Goryachko used computer equipment, mobile devices to prepare persons for participation in 2020-2021 protests. She did it in Minsk city with selfish motives, which got revealed for personal gain. She acted in conspiracy with the group of persons deliberately. Actions got posted on various web resources.

At the court hearing, the defendant Goryachko pleaded guilty to the incriminated act. The measure of restraint in the form of detention was changed to a pledge not to leave the city and proper conduct. Yulia Goryachko got released from custody in the courtroom.

ICCI “Our House” is confident that all such charges will soon be dropped against all political prisoners. Our entire team is eternally happy that Yuliya is now out of custody. We hope to be able to hug our Yuliya all in person! She is our hero and our pride! We believe that justice will prevail and Belarus will be free!