Several trials of youth opposition leaders were begun today in Belarus, Charter 97 is reporting. Artur Finkevich from Young Front appeared before a court in Minsk's Pervomaiskii region. He was arrested on 30 January 2006 for hanging signs with the slogan "We want change!" and charged for hooliganism and intentional destruction of property. For the latter offence, Finkevich could receive a sentence of between seven and twelve years in prison.
Nikita Sasim has been charged with evasion of military service, and faces up to three years in prison. Ironically, Sasim received an exemption from military service after he was beaten and given a concussion by OMON troops during a peaceful demonstration last fall.
Outside the courtrooms a number of protesters gathered in a show of solidarity. A number of these activists, according to Charter 97, have been detained and charged with participation in an unsanctioned meeting. Among them was Aleksei Kozulin, nephew of former presidential candidate Aleksandr Kozulin. He was sentenced to five days in prison.