Punishment for a symbol of freedom: Belarus sues senior citizen for wearing historical flag

Authorities Belarus has initiated criminal proceedings against 78-year-old activist Nina Bahińska for walking around Minsk with a badge with a historical flag in the colors white-red-white in 2024 - the Center for the Defense of Human Rights informed on Tuesday The "Vyasna" man.

The trial of Bahinska, a Belarusian legend, is set to begin soon. protests, in front of the district court of Minsk. Criminal proceedings are ongoing based on Article 342-2 of the Penal Code, which refers to multiple violations rules for organizing or conducting mass gatherings. This is the seventh the case of this article that has been brought to court since its introduction the Penal Code in 2021, "Viasna" reported.

In 2024, Bahinska, who has been taking part in demonstrations for decades with a historic Belarusian flag, was held administratively responsible three times for "illegal picketing" and were sentenced to heavy fines.

The white-red-white flag is a historical symbol of independence Belarus, used in 1918 and during the transformation in 1991. It symbolizes freedom and resistance to the regime, which is why it is being fought by the Belarusian regime, which uses a red and green flag with a folk ornament, introduced by Alexander Lukashenko in 1995.

"Viasna" recalls that Nina Bahińska was detained many times, were held in the police station in handcuffs and fined. In addition, the officers preventively detained her at home on national holidays, such as such as Freedom Day, May 9, etc. The activist usually did not show up for the hearings As a result, criminal proceedings were initiated against her.

In Belarus, only six people have been convicted under Article 342-2 so far. This article was introduced into the code in 2021 as a response to the regime on the protest activity of society.

Nina Bahińska, a retired geologist, has supported various initiatives for human rights and preserving historical memory on Belarus, and the authorities referred her for psychiatric examinations several times. (PAP)

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