The first trial of ‘a freeloader vs. the state’ was held in Homel on February 14. Alyaksandr Syamonau was suing the tax inspectorate and demanded to be exempt him from the freeloaders’ tax and to remove his name from the list of freeloaders. He also questioned the constitutional legality of decree #3.
Even the judge seemed surprised at the big number of people willing to attend the hearing. He did not forbid making videos in the court room at first. Only the police managed to close the court room door. Rebellious ‘freeloaders’ were going wild behind it. “Go shoot us down!” they shouted form behind the closed door.
City Executive Committee officials suddenly informed Alyaksandr Syamonau that he had been exexepmt from the freeloaders’ tax because of ‘life issues’. He asked to be exempt from the tax before going to court but officials would not do it because two people were working in Syamonau’s family, he told Euroradio.
Alyakasdr Syamyonau was also offered help finding a job. The Homel inhabitant who has been unemployed for several years is preparing all the necessary documents now.
Alyaksandr Syamonau’s trial will continue on February 21. It will start in Homel Central District Court at 3 p.m.