International Centre of civil initiatives «Our House» would like to bring to your attention our monitoring report on the repression and persecution of Belarusians for their participation in dancing. At the moment more than 1,000 people are being prosecuted in Belarus just for dancing.

   Round Dance Cases in Belarus

 The «Round Dance Case» in Brest is one of the hugest political criminal cases in Belarus.

On September 13, 2020, a protest march took place in the city of Brest, about 4000 people took part in it. At the crossroads of Masherau Ave. and Cosmonauts’s Blvd. people formed a round dance, they danced and sang songs. Because of that, the movement of transport was stopped.

 

 

 

Later people were dispersed with jets of water thrown by water cannons. Then the enforcers began detaining the citizens.

The Investigation Committee opened a criminal case under Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus against the protestants.

 

Events of September 13, 2020

On September 13, 2020, the protestants gathered near the Millennium Monument around 2.30 p.m. They stood there with flags, chanting «Long Live Belarus!» Then the column of the protestants moved along Sovietskaya Street towards Mayakovsky Street, but on that day, they did not go to Lenin Square, but turned to Masherau Avenue.

In Masherau Avenue the protestants went out on the road and moved towards Kobrynsky Bridge. They stopped at the crossroads with Kosmonavtov Avenue and started chanting: «This is our square!» Because of that, vehicles were blocked at the crossroads and could not move, public transport also stopped.

The protestants stood in a circle, began a round dance and sang protestant songs. That lasted for about 40 minutes, when a water cannon arrived at approximately 5 p.m. and dispersed the protestants.

The MIA reported that «about a thousand people danced a round dance, sang songs and shouted various slogans in the centre of a crossroads. Due to the actions of the participants of the unsanctioned mass gathering event, the movement of public transport was blocked, which created a real threat to the road traffic safety».

The damage caused by the standing time amounts to 619 Rubles 55 Kopecks (198.45 Euro) for the trolley yard and 40 Rubles 37 Kopecks (12.93 Euro) for the bus fleet.

Defendants and suspects in the “round dance case”

The defendants are being tried in groups. As of May 17, 2022, 14 groups of defendants were convicted.

Currently, the number of the convicted people is 130, including:

44 females;

86 males;

55 convicts out of 130 were recognized as political prisoners;

In total they were sentenced to:

• 138 years 3 months of restraint of liberty under home confinement («domashnyaya khimiya»);
• 92 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»);
• 14 years and 3 months of prison colony.

Divided by sex:

Females were sentenced to:

• 72 years 3 months of restraint of liberty under home confinement («domashnyaya khimiya»);
• 10 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»);
• 1 year and 6 months of prison colony.

Males were sentenced to:

• 66 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement («domashnyaya khimiya»);
• 82 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»);
• 12 years and 9 months of prison colony.

Judges passing the sentences:

1. Sviataslau Kalina 2. Dzmitry Shuryn 3. Ina Klyshpach 4. Siarhei Maruchak 5. Yauhen Brehan 6. Dzmitry Kurouski 7. Vera Filonik

8. Maryia Aliferuk 9. Katsiaryna Ramashka 10. Tatsiana Lauraniuk 11. Maryna Skalkovich 12. Liudmila Rubasheuskaya 13. Viktar Novik

On January 20, 2021 the trial of the first group of 10 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (Organization of group actions that seriously harm public order and inherent in flagrant disobedience to the legitimate demands of the authorities or entailing disruptions in the work of transport).

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Maryna Hlazava a teacher, 25 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Maksim Zharau director of a private firm, 33 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution (“khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Mikalai Fedarenka an employee of a trading company, 34 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution (“khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Yaraslau Yarashuk unemployed, 40 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Yauhen Kalpachyk a removal man, 29 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Viktar Dzenisenka 28 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Vital Litvin a removal man, 38 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Vadzim Varanovich from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Aliaksei Yakubuk 29 years old,from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Maryna Siretsan (Sirecan) from Brest.	1 year 3 months of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Sviataslau Kalina.

The sentence was passed on February 25, 2021.

On February 15, 2021, the trial of the second group of 8 residents of Brest took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Aliaksei Artsetski 36 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Vital Brukh 34 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Dzmitry Bunevich 28 years old, from Brest.	1 year 8 months of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Dzmitry Abramuk 30 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Aliaksei Baranouski 29 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Dzmitry Kachurka 34 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Hienadz Misiuta from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Uladzimir Talatynnik 48 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.

The judge passing the sentence: Dzmitry Shuryn.

Prosecutors: Mikhail Yushchuk, Stsiapan Liashok.

The sentence was passed on 15/03/2021.

On April 15, 2021, the trial of the third group of 15 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Siarhei Naliuka 36 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Valiantsina Zhukouskaya from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Danila Chamadanau 24 years old.A citizen of Russia.	1 year of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Alena Hnauk 63 years old, from Pruzhany.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Radzivon Kandratsiuk student of a construction vocational school, 18 years old,from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Viktar Labko 34 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Kiryl Lud from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Liudmila Lutskaya from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Maryia Skakavets from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Alena Lyskovich 47 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Viktoryia Lyskovich 23 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»). Escaped from Belarus.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Uladzislau Navitski an MMA fighter, 27 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Vasil Charnetski from Brest	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Yury Chubryk from Brest	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Ina Klyshpach.
Prosecutors: Alena Sharko, Aliaksei Baranouski

The sentence was passed on 07/05/2021.

On May 14, 2021, the trial of the fourth group of 12 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Mikalai Papeka a beemaster, 59 years old, from Pruzhany.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Yauhen Siniak a warehouse attendant, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
	Arseni Siniak a student, 19 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»). Escaped from Belarus.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Raman Yakhin 46 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Volha Hlushan 34 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Palina Liashko from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”). Ran to Ukraine.	No PP status
	Andrei Liashko from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»). Ran to Ukraine.	No PP status
No photo available.	Raman Dzemidovich from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Maryna Darashuk from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Viktoryia Karalchuk from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Alesia Kramchanina from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Sviatlana Marchuk from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Siarhei Maruchak

Prosecutors: Yaroshyk, Plysheuski.

The sentence was passed on 08/06/2021.

On May 24, 2021, the trial of the fifth group of 13 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Andrei Aniskevich 34 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Ihar Vinakurau 19 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Siarhei Ksenzhuk from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Dzmitry Kurhanau 23 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Alena Loika 43 years old,from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Radzivon Medusheuski 23 years old.,from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Safiya Nisht 28 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Andrei Niamirski 40 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Illia Palkhouski 25 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Katsiaryna Smirnova 39 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Mikita Uvarau 20 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Aliaksandr Khrapko 27 years old,from Brest.	1 year of maximum-security prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Halina Chuhunova 28 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Yauhen Brehan.

The sentence was passed on 03/06/2021.

On August 09, 2021, the trial of the seventh group of 13 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Kaciaryna Brovach from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Juryj Saciuk from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Hlieb Nikanovich 23 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Ihar Siamykin 30 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Arciom Tarasiuk 27 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Aliaksandr Zhuk 24 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Siarhei Kananovich 25 years old, from Pruzhany.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Kanstantsin Svidunovich a TV presenter, 25 years old,from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Viktar Atroshka a pensioner, from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Tacciana Rahachouskaja from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Artsiom Laski 38 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Illia Yahorau 19 years old, from Kobryn.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
	Daniil Dzitkouski 18 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.

The judge passing the sentence: Dzmitry Kurouski.

Prosecutors: Aliaksandr Batsiushka, Mikhail Yushchuk.
The sentence was passed on August 30, 2021.

On July 26, 2021, the trial of the sixth group of 12 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Artsiom Andrasiuk 26 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Aliaksei Birukou from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Tatsiana Birukova from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Siarhei Dziahtsiaryk from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

 

No photo available.	Darya Dziamiyanka from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Andrei Kastsiuk from Brest.	3 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
	Ihar Laptanovich 33 years old, from Pruzhany.	2.5 years of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Yuliya Laptanovich 25 years old, from Pruzhany.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Uladzimir Makarevich 41 years old, from Brest.	2.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Andrei Parfeyevets from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Kanstantsin Piatsinkin from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Natallia Shyla from Brest.	2.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Vera Filonik.

Prosecutors: Henadz Bury, Vadzim Bahatka.

The sentence was passed on 04/08/2021. 

On September 24, 2021, the trial of the eighth group of 6 people took place.

 The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Mikita Dzmitryieu 28 years old,from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Hanna Kashyrskich 51 years old,from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
	Aleh Kulesha 49 years old, from Pruzhany.	1 year 7 months of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Siarhei Kuntsevich 60 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Dzmitryj Makarevich 27 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Tatsiana Pekarskaya 31 years old,from Brest.	1.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Maryia Aliferuk.

Prosecutors: Andrei Manko. Andrei Manko.
The sentence was passed on October 6, 2021. 

On October 25, 2021, the trial of the ninth and tenth groups took place – 15 people.

 The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Hanna Baran 42 years old, from Pruzhany.	1.5 years of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Aliaksandr Vialichka from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Vieranika Klimovich from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Volha Hachynskaya from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Sviatlana Jakimovich from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Kaciaryna Hancharova from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Uladzimir Hancharou 30 years old,from Brest.	2 years of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
	Siarhei Yaroshkin 30 years old, from Brest.	2.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Paviel Krauchuk from Brest.	2.5 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Valiancina Korsak from Brest.	2.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Siarhei Lapko from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Cimur Lompik from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Aliaksiej Jakimovich from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Tacciana Pauliuchyk from Brest.	1 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Aliaksandr Pauliuchyk from Brest.	1 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Katsiaryna Ramashka.

Prosecutors: Aliaksei Baranouski
The sentence was passed on November 15, 2021.

On October 25, 2021, the trial of the eleventh group of 12 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Uladzimir Harbavets 31 years old, from Brest.	2 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Katsiaryna Shpak from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Aliaksandr Badavets from Brest.	2.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Viktar Kukharchuk from Brest.	2.5 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Pavel Khamichuk from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Kiryl Darashchuk from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Barys Halanin from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Volha Fedarenka from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

 

No photo available.	Anastasiya Zhukavets from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Dzmitry Kapylou from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Ihar Hrabinski from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Maryna Ushuykova from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Tatsiana Lauraniuk.

Prosecutors: Yahor Kronda.

The sentence was passed on December 17, 2021.

On March 16, 2022, the trial of the twelfth group of 2 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Aliaksandr Antaniuk ex-investigator, 24 years old, from Brest.	1.5 years of prison colony.	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Ruslan Hachynski from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Maryna Skalkovich
The sentence was passed on March 16, 2022.

On April 19, 2022, the trial of the thirteenth group of 11 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
	Ihar Liashkevich 37 years old, from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Dzmitryi Neumiarzhytski from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Dzmitryi Shamshur from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Yuryi Klimavets from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
	Dziyana Vashchylina 41 years old, from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	Recognized political prisoner.
No photo available.	Katsiaryna Yarameyeva from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Iryna Kuzmianchuk from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Yuliya Levaniuk from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Vital Brytsko from Brest.	3 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Liudmila Karabaniuk from Brest.	3 years of restriction of liberty in an open-type correctional institution («khimiya»).	No PP status
No photo available.	Larysa Yakhimovich from Brest.	2 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Liudmila Rubasheuskaya.

Prosecutors: Alena Sharko.

The sentence was passed on 04/05/2022.

The «round dance case» is one of the most mass-scale politically motivated criminal cases in Belarus launched against the protestants.

On May 17, 2022, the trial of the fourteenth group of 2 people took place.

The defendants were accused under Part 1, Article 342 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. The trial was in some ways special, as it ended in less than an hour, setting a record for the fastest sentencing.

Photo	Defendant	Sentence	Political prisoner status
No photo available.	Andrei Ulasau from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status
No photo available.	Yuliya Suvalka from Brest.	3 years of restraint of liberty under home confinement (“domashnyaya khimiya”).	No PP status

The judge passing the sentence: Viktar Novik

Prosecutor: Alena Tsikhanovich
The sentence was passed on march 16, 2022.

New Year round dances in Gomel

On December 25, 2021, about 10 residents of Gomel made a picnic in a forest. They dressed the New Year Tree, made a fire and danced a round dance. Some of the participants had white-red-white flags. There were sheets of paper of the New Year Tree with the slogans: «Rat, go away!» and «New Year without the Rat!»

Two women were arrested.

	On January 5, 2021 Ala Karalenka, a pensioner, was detained by the police. Her place was searched. The police seized her computer, discs, her phone and a white-red-white flag of Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada). The pensioner was takein to a temporary detention facility for one night. The trial took place on January, 6, 2021. Ala was sentenced to 7 days of arrest. The case was examined by the judge Andrei Lahunovich.
	On January 6, 2021, another participant of the round dance in the forest was arrested – Alena Litvinava, a 57-year-old teacher. Her place was searched. She was accused of participation in an unsanctioned meeting in a forest. Alena was sentenced to 8 days of arrest. The case was examined by the judge Siarhei Karmanovich.

Pagan combat round dance in Gomel

Round dance. A dance of pagan origin: people dance in a circle in the honour of Yaryla, the Sun-God.

On May 28, 2022, Belarusian, passionate about ancient rites, gathered in Mogilev, on the bank of Dnieper River for a «pagan combat round dance», but they were disturbed by OMON (the riot police). 6 males and 14 females were detained.

The trial took place on May 30, 2022.

The participants were fined in the amount of 10 basic units (320 Rubles = about 115.52 Euro).

One of the detainees was Volha Yeliseyeva, a 43-year-old mother of six children, awarded the Order of the Mother, a psychologist. She was kept in custody in the temporary detention facility for two days and fined in the amount of 10 basic units (320 Rubles = about 115.52 Euro), her phone was seized.