Tamaz Pipiya was born on July 10, 1994, lived in Minsk and worked in a casino. He is a fan of soccer and was an active fan of the MTZ-RIPO club.

He reads books about psychology and fiction, draws when he was free and liked going to the movies.

Political views

Tamaz was a fan of the MTZ club, which in soccer circles is associated with the position of anti-fascism. He shares anti-fascist views.

The story of the detention and the case

Tamaz was detained in a Grodna on 26 September. During the detention he was surrounded by men in civilian clothes, threw him on the ground and handcuffed, although he did not offer any resistance. He was also threatened with a weapon. Then he was taken to a building and handcuffed to a radiator. A few hours later he was taken to the woods, where he was first taken out of the car and then transferred to another car. Tamaz’s relatives were unable to find him for about two more days.

Tamaz was charged under Article 293 part 2 (participation in mass riots).

During the trial Tamaz stated that he had been psychologically pressurized by the police officers for which he had said what he was required to, including incriminating other people. He recanted his testimony as soon as his lawyer came to him.

Tamaz did not admit his guilt at the trial.

Verdict

Judge Svetlana Bondarenko sentenced him to 5 years.

On 5 September 2024 the court of Navapolatsk considered the criminal case against Tamaz under part 2 of article 411 of the Criminal Code (malicious disobedience to the demands of administration of the correctional institution). Judge Tatsiana Hripach added another 1.5 years of imprisonment to the main term.
The appeal is scheduled for 5 November 2024.

Conditions of detention

Tamaz was detained in Grodna on 26th September. During the detention he was surrounded by men in civilian clothes who threw him on the ground and handcuffed him, although he did not offer any resistance. He was also threatened with a weapon. Then he was taken to a building and handcuffed to a radiator. A few hours later he was taken to the woods, where he was first taken out of the car and then transferred to another car. Tamaz’s relatives were unable to find him for about two more days.

Tamaz was charged under Article 293 part 2 (participation in mass riots).

During the trial Tamaz stated that he had been psychologically pressurized by the police officers for which he had said what he was required to, including incriminating other people. He recanted his testimony as soon as his lawyer came to him.

In April and June 2024, Tamaz was in the PKT (isolation cell in prison) and repeatedly served his sentence in the SHIZO (punishment isolation cell).

Tamaz did not admit his guilt at the trial.

Relatives

Tamaz’s sister and parents are waiting for him at home.

Tamaz writes:

Remember that I'm always around! And love is the strongest weapon and stronger than evil, which means we will win either way!

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