Concerns over new situation of Belarusian lawyer Maksim Znak in prison
16 December 2022

Concerns over new situation of Belarusian lawyer Maksim Znak in prison

Belarus

According to the information received, Belarusian lawyer Maksim Znak had been sent to a cell-type premise on 2 December 2022 and there is no clarity on when he will be able to leave the cell. He has already been placed in solitary confinement three times before. Being put into a cell-type room is the harshest punitive measure in the colony. Lawyers for Lawyers is concerned about this development.

Maksim Znak is a Belarusian lawyer who has represented and provided legal assistance to several potential candidates running for the presidency in Belarus, among which Viktor Babaryko and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Further, Maksim Znak provided legal assistance to Maria Kolesnikova, co-leader of the Coordination Council. Maksim Znak was arrested on 9 September 2020.

As of 6 September 2021, Mr. Znak has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Due to his sentence being imposed by ways of a closed-door-trial, the specific details and grounds of his sentence remain unknown. His sentencing has been brought in relationship with his activities as part of the Coordination Council.

The sentencing of Maksim Znak serves as another example of the difficulties Belarusian lawyers face during the practice of their legal profession.We believe that the detention of the lawyer is directly related to his professional activities and constitutes improper interference with such activities.

Lawyers for Lawyers urges the Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Maksim Znak, drop any charges and put an end to all acts of harassment against them, including judicial harassment, unless credible evidence is presented in proceedings that comply with international fair trial standards. Furthermore, pending his release, to guarantee the psychological and physical integrity of the lawyer and comply with international standards on conditions of detention, and guarantee that all lawyers in Belarus are able to carry out their professional duties without intimidation, hindrance or improper interference.

Meer nieuws uit Belarus

26 June 2024

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: public letter to the Belarusian authorities on the continued incommunicado detention of Maksim Znak

Belarus

On 26 June, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Lawyers for Lawyers expresses concern over the continued incommunicado detention of lawyer Maksim Znak. According to information received, Mr Znak has now been refused access to his family

Lees verder
16 April 2024

‘Flight to Lithuania’ — interview with Natalia Matskevich and Paulius Griciunas

Belarus

A new law has been passed in Lithuania which allows lawyers from outside the European Union to register as third-party lawyers in Lithuania. This legislative advance is of great symbolic importance according to Belarusian lawyer Natalia Matskevich. By Trudeke Sillevis

Lees verder
21 March 2024

HRC 55: Situation of lawyers in Belarus

Belarus

On 19 March 2024, Lawyers for Lawyers, the Law Society of England and Wales, and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute delivered an oral statement during the interactive dialogue on the interim oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of

Lees verder
7 February 2024

Report on Belarus: The Crisis of the Legal Profession Continued Repressions 2022 – 2023

Belarus

In cooperation with the American Bar Association (ABA) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), the Center for Constitutionalism and Human Rights, Right to Defense, and Lawyers for Lawyers have prepared this report to summarize the ongoing worrying

Lees verder