The trial in absentia of comedian Komissarenko for insulting Lukashenko began in Minsk

Minsk City Court began a trial in absentia against standup comic Vyacheslav Komissarenko for insulting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. This is reported by BelTA agency.

"In Minsk, the trial on the case of standup comic Vyacheslav Komissarenko, who is charged under three articles of the Criminal Code, has begun. The case is considered in the order of special proceedings," reads the material.

The comic is suspected of inciting racial, national, religious or other social enmity or discord (part 1 of Article 130 of the Criminal Code of Belarus), libel against the President of Belarus (part 2 of Article 367), as well as insulting the head of the republic (part 1 of Article 368).

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Anin absentia investigation against Komissarenko was launched on August 15. The standup comic is accused of intentional actions aimed at inciting social hatred, slander against the president of Belarus, as well as public insult of the Belarusian leader.