Later, the media reported that Jhon Silver has gone to Ukraine to avoid persecution. It is still unknown how he came to Russia and other circumstances of his arrest, but this case is already of interest to civil society and human rights defenders.
“The defendant, who was a website administrator of 1863x.com, posted information pieces which contained signs of inciting ethnic hatred, as well as images of pornographic content, which is confirmed by expert examinations,” reported the Investigative Committee.
Palchys may face up to 6 months of arrest or up to five years of imprisonment for ‘inciting hatred’. For allegedly distributing pornography he may be imprisoned for a term from two to four years.
On 16 June Eduard’s lawyer visit him, she quoted his words: ““I never sought publicity, never wanted and do not want to be a political prisoner. I just expressed my opinion about a threat from Russia and its possible infringe against integrity, sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Belarus”.
The lawyer also said that during the conversation Palchys did not recognize he incited hated. “I think this is objective and we will make every effort to prove that he is right. He is a smart, charming man who thinks about his country’s interests. He is a decent citizen of his country, “- the lawyer Hanna Bakhtsina describes her client.
In regard of this case the Human Rights Centre “Viasna” has prepared the statement. Human rights defenders demand respect for all the procedural safeguards and rights in relation to Eduard Palchys, who is currently held in custody in the detention center in Zhodzina, namely:
1. To ensure the right to defense, including immediately allowing him to see a lawyer;
2. To ensure appropriate conditions of detention and treatment, which would not constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, but would meet the international standards of detention.
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