English

Awtukhovich says that he was subjected to psychological pressure

Mikalay Awtukhovich, whose trial began at the Supreme Court of Belarus on Wednesday, insisted in the courtroom that he and other people accused in the case had been subjected to intimidation and psychological pressure.

Mr. Awtukhovich said that investigators told his former business partner Yury Lyavonaw and his associate Uladzimir Asipenka to give evidence against him and promised their release in exchange. In particular, according to him, Mr. Lyavonaw was told that he would be imprisoned for a long time if he refused to give such evidence, and Mr. Asipenka was told that he would be allowed to attend his daughter’s wedding. //BelaPAN