Belarusian Singer May Face Up To Four Years In Prison For Singing Ukrainian Song In Bar

Well-known Belarusian singer Meryem Herasimenka, aka Meryem Hera, has gone on trial in Minsk for singing a song by the popular Ukrainian group Okean Elzy -- in Ukrainian -- in a Minsk bar in August. Herasimenka was arrested at the time and twice sentenced to 15 days in jail before a criminal case was launched against her on a charge of "actively participating in group actions that grossly violate public order." If convicted, the 28-year-old entertainer could face up to four years in prison. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, click here.