Lukashenko hitman to be judged by Swiss court

Monday, 18 September 2023 07:53

Yuri Harauski, a former member of a hit squad under Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, goes on trial this week in a Swiss regional court.

He’s accused of having participated in the kidnapping and murder of three opposition figures in 1999.

Crimes that he has since then confessed.

The trial is being held in Switzerland because Harauski is resident in St.Gallen since he fled his home country in 2018.

He arrived to seek asylum, arguing that his life was at risk in Belarus given his will to speak out about his past.

Harauski could face a prison sentence of between one and 20 years.

The defense is likely to plead for a reduced sentence given Harauski’s confession and willingness to give information.

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