Artsiom Nikitsin was sentenced to two and a half years in prison under Part 2 of Article 339 (malicious hooliganism) and Article 363 of the Criminal Code (resisting arrest).

According to the prosecutor, on the night of January 4, 2021, Artsiom Nikitsin and three other defendants in the case spray-painted several slogans and symbols, thereby damaging three tobacco shops in Minsk. In addition, Nikitsin allegedly “actively resisted arrest” by police officer Prakapovich, who arrived at the scene, and gassed the officer “at least once”.

Nikistin argued that he had painted “Long Live Belarus” on only one shop and had nothing to do with the others. Artsiom repented of his actions, but noted that he did not damage the property, as the inscription on the kiosk did not affect its operation. Nikitsin also stressed that he did not violate public order. Artsiom pleaded not guilty to the violence charge. He argued that it was not he who used gas on the officer.