Conscientious objector acquitted in Belarus
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 31 May 2010 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Conscientious objector acquitted in Belarus, 31 May 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4c172b2728.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 31, 2010
Dzmitry Smyk after his acquittal
The central court in the Belarusian city of Homel has acquitted a Jehovah's Witness who had been charged with avoiding mandatory military service, RFE/RL's Belarus Service reports.
Dzmitry Smyk said that his belief did not allow him to bear arms. Judge Alena Tsalkova ruled that "Smyk's actions do not constitute a crime."
Smyk told RFE/RL after he left the courtroom a free man that he felt happy that justice had prevailed.
The Homel prosecutor has 10 days in which to file a motion against the court's decision.
Viktar Adzinochanka, who is a lecturer at Skaryna Religious University and a representative of the Christian Association in Belarus, told RFE/RL that the Belarusian authorities recently adopted a more realistic attitude toward Jehovah's Witnesses.
In Belarus, every male between the age of 18 and 27 has to serve in the army for two years.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
