Vadzim Khizhniakou

served full term, released

Former prisoner

Date of birth: 16 May 1968

Date of detention: 27 September 2020

Charges indicted:

  • Art. 364 of the Criminal Code — Violence or threat of violence against an employee of the internal affairs bodies

Sentence: 2 1/2 years

Penalty: imprisonment in a general-security penal colony

Date of release: 16 November 2022

Judge: Henadz Mazaila

Notes: Health issues

Vadzim Khizhniakou is a businessman in Hrodna sentenced to two and a half years in prison under Art. 364 of the Criminal Code (violence against a police officer). The charge stems from a protest held on September 27, 2020. Mikhail Yudzin, Mikhail Yefimovich and Andrei Seviartoka were also convicted in this criminal case.

According to the charges, Seviartok deliberately punched a riot police officer in the head and kicked him in the right leg. At this time, Yefimovich deliberately threw an unidentified object at the officer, which hit the chest. After that, Yudzin deliberately kicked and punched another riot policeman, including in the arm and the head. Khizhniakov deliberately threw an unidentified object at the officer, using it as an instrument of crime.

Before the trial, Vadzim was held in custody. At the trial, he pleaded not guilty.

Vadzim completed his sentence and was released on 16 November 2022.

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