Ex-presidential candidate Sannikov released from prison in Belarus

He was arrested on December 19, 2010 and sentenced to five years in prison for participation in mass riots in Minsk

MINSK, April 14 (Itar-Tass) —— The Belarusian authorities have released ex-presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov.

He was arrested on December 19, 2010 and sentenced to five years in prison for participation in mass riots in Minsk.

Sannikov, 57, was found guilty of organising mass riots in Minsk on December 19, 2010 after presidential elections.

During court hearings, Sannikov said the trial was “conspicuously politically motivated” and refused to plead guilty.

“We think that the verdict is unlawful and unfounded. The fact of mass riots was not proved,” lawyer Marina Kovalevskaya said.

Having noted that the court failed to uphold some of the defence's pleas, she said this testified to “"the one-sidedness of the trial”.

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As many as 79 senators backed the initiative and 18 voted against

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US shifted conflict in Europe onto EU, NATO shoulders to weaken Russia, says Lukashenko

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The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

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Kremlin vows to resolve situation with Turkish Airlines refusing service to Russians

Russia has "very constructive and friendly relations" with Turkey, Dmitry Peskov stressed

Russia recovers black boxes from crashed Tu-22M3 bomber

According to the law enforcement, the search for the fourth crew member is ongoing

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Gagauzia against Chisinau’s policy of severing ties with Russia

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Putin informed about detention of Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov

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Ukrainian presidential office confirms London’s agrement to Zaluzhny as ambassador

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Detained deputy defense minister suspected of taking grand bribe of over $10,000

This charges carries a punishment of up to 15 years behind bars

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