The Deputy Chair of the REP Trade Union Zinaida Mikhnyuk was fined by two basic units (70,000 Belarusian roubles) for her allegedly hooligan behaviour on October 8 – the day of the People's Assembly.

Let us remind you that Ms Mikhnyuk was detained by militiamen on October 8, several minutes before the start of the event. The trade union leader was accused of "hooliganism expressed in crude swearing, shouting, using foul language, refusal to react to repeated remarks of militiamen and to stop her illegal actions; of behaving provocatively, disturbing the public order and peace of citizens, which falls under violation of Article 17.1 of Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus."

Gennady Fedynich, Chairman of the REP Trade Union, told the Praca-by.info that at the trial the militiamen who had detained Zinaida Mikhnyuk, could not recollect whether she used foul language or not.

"The trial of Zinaida Mikhnyuk is another proof that we have no justice in our country," the trade union leader believes. "When the police report reads that she had used foul language and obscene words, but at the trial the militiamen – perhaps, they still have some remnants of conscience, – said that they could not remember her acting like that, it is obvious that the whole case was fabricated. Nevertheless, the judge passes an accusatory decision, while the small amount of the fine – two basic units – is yet another proof of the fact that the judge was simply ordered to punish the union activist.

According to the trade union leader, "such a mock trial is already causing not even an outrage, but just a smile in people."

"It's high time for the authorities to think on the impression they make today," Mr Fedynich has concluded.