Activist Fined For Placing Crosses In Kurapaty

Valer Rabtsau intends to appeal the punishment.

As it became known to the human rights center “Viasna”, activist Valer Rabtsau received a resolution on imposing a fine on him for installing crosses in the Kurapaty stove.

The administrative commission under the Minsk district executive committee found Rabtsau guilty of committing an offense under Article 19.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (Violation of the order and (or) conditions of performing work on historical and cultural values) and sentenced him to a fine of 15 base fees (BYN 367.5). The activist was not present at the meeting of the commission.

The reason for the prosecution was that on October 19, Valer Rabtsau installed crosses in Kurapaty without prior approval from the Ministry of Culture and local executive bodies.

This is not the first reaction of the authorities to the crosses voluntarily installed by activists at the place of mass graves of victims of political repression. Thus, at the end of October, the Minskobldorstroy sent Valer Rabtsau, Siarhei Chaiko, Zmitser Dashkevich, Yahor Laurukhin and Siarhei Masiuk claims with the requirement to dismantle 13 crosses by October 31. For non-compliance with the requirements, Minskobldorstroy threatened to dismantle the crosses on its own and to issue a large invoice. But so far, his promise has remained unfulfilled.

In addition, resolutions on having committed an administrative offense under Article 18.35 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (damage or pollution of a road or other road construction) were made in relation to the activists. Kurapaty defenders were fined because they, "being a group of persons, in the right of way of the N-9031 Kalodzishchy-Zalauye highway, performed works on the unauthorized installation of 13 crosses without the necessary approvals."

Valer Rabtsau has already appealed the resolution under Article 18.35 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, and sent a response to the claim from Minskobldorstroy (now he is waiting for their answers), and also plans to appeal the new fine.