Human rights activist Yana Palyakova taken to court under guard

• 10.11.2008, 14:59

On November 10, in Salihorsk, a militiaman came up to famous human rights activist Yana Palyakova and ordered to follow him to the court.

According to the militiaman, his commandment ordered him to take Palyakova to court for trial. But the Salihorsk court didn’t hear the case of Palyakova. The human rights activist was released soon.

Yana Palyakova told to Radio Svaboda that judge Sauchanka handed a copy of compulsory guarding to the court to her, but didn’t let her learn the case, which was allegedly instituted, and didn’t explain its essence.

“I am insulted and intimidated at the same time. They guarded me through the whole city, though they might have summoned me, and I would have gone to court myself! Secondly, they make me understand that they are able to persecute me on any, even far-fetched ground,” the human rights activists commented on the situation.

Yana Palyakova has been engaged in human rights activity in Salihorsk since 2000. She defended Ivan and Illya Shylas, other Salihorsk activists and common citizens, who sought for her help. In October, Yana Palyakova was beaten by a militiaman, and the human rights activists sent a complaint to the prosecutor’s office. The complaint hasn’t been heard yet.