"Terrorists" executed?
Belarus
will meet the anniversary of the bloodiest terrorist act in the history of the
country in high spirits. The case is closed, the guilty are punished…
The sentence passed to Zmitser Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavaliou shocked the
public. The powers had to justify themselves. Even Aliaksandar Lukashenka made
an appearance, explained that such decisions are difficult to take, and
promised to consider…
And then he took a long break.
Like an experienced hunter, he was waiting, taking his time. He wanted the
public to calm down. His loyal media would work on the public opinion at his
command. When the interrogation scripts that last for many hours would be
uploaded on-line and completely erode any assessment…
Guilty? Innocent? Who knows…
And at this very moment when emotions aroused by the unjust sentence (according
to a major part of the society, if not to the majority) got down, Lukashenka
signed the paper and gave order to open fire.
As far as I understand the guilty have
already been executed. Right before the execution those who are sentenced to
death get to know if their appeal for pardon was declined. I think that Zmitser
Kanavalau and Uladzislau Kavaliou learnt about Lukashenka’s decision before us.
I have to admit I doubted that Uladzislau Kavaliou would be executed. His part
in the terroristic act was obviously staged, and Kanavalau was called “a loner
terrorist” before the trial.
A loner means he was acting alone. But apparently the words of high officials
don’t mean a thing. A loner today, a terrorist with an accomplice tomorrow…
This should be the most controversial death sentence in the history of Belarus.
Obviously, the court, prosecution, KGB, Home Ministry and all police
authorities failed to prove the guilt of Kanavalau and Kavaliou. Numerous vexed
questions were raised during the trial. They remain without answers…
And nobody can give the answers anymore.
***
The powers will meet the oncoming anniversary of the
bloodiest terrorist act in the history of Belarus in high spirits. The case
is closed, the guilty are punished... Everything was done in a surprisingly
short time. The public? They will calm down after a while. But the mother,
Liubou Ivanauna Kavaliova, who desperately defended her son, against the entire
state machine, will stay with a wound that never heals.
Andrzej Poczobut
