Pro-Russian activist on trial for four years in Lithuania for inciting hatred against Belarusians. But he doesn't appear in court
The blogger is also accused of desecrating a memorial to victims of the Lukashenka regime near the Belarusian embassy in Vilnius.
Laurynas Ragelskis. Photo: D. Umbraso / LRT
Laurynas Ragelskis publicly insulted Belarusians and Jews; he also repeatedly visited the spontaneous memorial near the Embassy of Belarus in Vilnius, where he scattered and desecrated portraits of people who died at the hands of the Lukashenka regime.
The criminal case against Ragelskis was submitted to court back in 2022, but the process has dragged on for years. The pro-Russian activist, who is fluent in Lithuanian, demonstratively demanded a Russian translator and translation of all case materials. He changed lawyers six times, tried to challenge the judge, and flooded the court with petitions.
The prosecution demands for Ragelskis a restriction of liberty for 1 year and 9 months with mandatory wearing of an electronic bracelet and a fine of 12,500 euros.
The prosecutor also asks to prohibit Ragelskis from attending events of the Belarusian diaspora and from using social networks for the entire duration of the sentence.
The Lithuanian State Security Department characterizes Ragelskis as a "political marginal" who actively cooperates with Belarusian propagandists and curates anti-Western and pro-Russian resources in the Lithuanian language.
On Tuesday, January 20, Vilnius police were supposed to bring Ragelskis to the court hearing, but they were unable to.
Police informed the court that the blogger's wife opened the door for them. She said that her husband had not been home since yesterday and that she did not know where he was.
The police called the accused, but he did not answer.
The judge decided not to apply the most severe measure of restraint — arrest — for now, and to try to use the police to bring the accused to the next hearing. It is scheduled for February 2.
"He has a permanent residence, children, he is married. I hope that Ragelskis will maintain contact with his family, perhaps he went on a one-day business trip," the judge said.
Comments
Я не прыхільнік дыктатуры, я проста канстатую відавочнае ... на вялiкi-вялiкi мой жаль.