Deprivation of the right to the profession based on the results of certification / recertification by the Qualification commission under the Ministry of Justice
Updated on 06/10/2025
Nota Bene
The article provides information about some of the lawyers who are subjected to pressure and repression, namely those prosecuted in criminal cases.
The main article with all types of persecution and a complete list of lawyers subjected to repression can be found here
The main article with all types of persecution and a complete list of lawyers subjected to repression can be found here
Information on other groups of barristers who have been disqualified from the profession can be found at the following addresses:
- Lawyers subjected to criminal prosecution
- Lawyers deprived of licenses due to misconduct inconsistent with the title of lawyer
- Lawyers expelled from the Bar by decision of the Disciplinary Commission of the Territorial Bar Association (Council of the Territorial Bar Association)
The material is regularly updated, the date is indicated above. If we missed someone, then please write to us - defendersbelarus@protonmail.com
- Lawyers subjected to criminal prosecution
- Lawyers deprived of licenses due to misconduct inconsistent with the title of lawyer
- Lawyers expelled from the Bar by decision of the Disciplinary Commission of the Territorial Bar Association (Council of the Territorial Bar Association)
The material is regularly updated, the date is indicated above. If we missed someone, then please write to us - defendersbelarus@protonmail.com
Who is included in the list
Lawyers disqualified and deprived of their status as a result of regular or extraordinary attestation in the Ministry of Justice.
The official reason for the exclusion of lawyers is always related to the alleged lack of qualifications. The primary actor is the Ministry of Justice, whose employees draw up lists of lawyers for the next (once every five years) attestation, which, at their discretion, can be held either in the territorial collegium or in the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice. During the attestation, the Qualification Commission considers materials on the fulfillment by the lawyer of the requirements of the law and other materials characterizing his professional activities, and also after hearing the person being certified during an oral interview. At the same time, the range of questions asked at the oral exam is not defined and not predictable. As a result, she decides on the "compliance or non-compliance of the lawyer with the requirements of the law."
After a decision is made about the "insufficient level of qualification" of a lawyer, the self-governing body of lawyers comes into play - the collegium in which he is a member. On the basis of the decision of the Qualification Commission, the collegium excludes the lawyer from its members.
Why do we include in this list even those lawyers whose full adherence to the principles of the legal profession and legal ethics is questionable? This procedure is unlawful because it is incompatible with the principles of the independence of lawyers and the legal profession, according to which the state cannot assess a lawyer's compliance with ethical standards and his qualifications. For this reason, the deprivation of the status of a lawyer as a result of this procedure is unlawful, regardless of other circumstances.
The official reason for the exclusion of lawyers is always related to the alleged lack of qualifications. The primary actor is the Ministry of Justice, whose employees draw up lists of lawyers for the next (once every five years) attestation, which, at their discretion, can be held either in the territorial collegium or in the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice. During the attestation, the Qualification Commission considers materials on the fulfillment by the lawyer of the requirements of the law and other materials characterizing his professional activities, and also after hearing the person being certified during an oral interview. At the same time, the range of questions asked at the oral exam is not defined and not predictable. As a result, she decides on the "compliance or non-compliance of the lawyer with the requirements of the law."
After a decision is made about the "insufficient level of qualification" of a lawyer, the self-governing body of lawyers comes into play - the collegium in which he is a member. On the basis of the decision of the Qualification Commission, the collegium excludes the lawyer from its members.
Why do we include in this list even those lawyers whose full adherence to the principles of the legal profession and legal ethics is questionable? This procedure is unlawful because it is incompatible with the principles of the independence of lawyers and the legal profession, according to which the state cannot assess a lawyer's compliance with ethical standards and his qualifications. For this reason, the deprivation of the status of a lawyer as a result of this procedure is unlawful, regardless of other circumstances.
Sergei Zikratsky
Olga Baranchik
Boris Leskovsky
Vladislav Filipovich
Andrey Bartashevich
Elena Shinkarevich
Nikolay Yotka
Anna Vovchinskaya
Svetlana Hololovich
Irina Bertsuk
Anton Gashinsky
Olga Karpushonok
Evgeny Maslov
Yulia Kniaz
Irina Voronkova
Igor Petrashevich
Natalia Alekseeva
Alexander Belov
Natalia Vantsovich
Alexander Filanovich
Sergey Garusov
Yuri Galay
Natalia Alexeyuk
Maria Kolesova-Hudzilina
Natalia Metelitsa
Valery Savostyanchik
Vladimir Shlyakhto
Igor Kostyuk
Alexander Baranovsky
Vitaly Lebedev
Larisa Stelmashuk
Alexey Dravitsa
Pavel Pravdikov
Gennady Vlasenko
Tatiana Savchenko
Victoria Nechay
Pavel Kulazhenko
Anna Pavlyuk
Ludmila Asievskaya
Elena Gribok
Sergey Kishenev
Dmitry Mironenko
Maria Davydchik
Sergey Kosmach
Galina Mamonko
Vladimir Yagodinsky
Vladimir Pylchenko
Viktor Matskevich
Oksana Belaya
Natalia Volkova
Olga Demidchik
Sergey Demyanchuk
Yuri Stashkevich
Tatiana Kovalevich
Sergey Vopryuchkov
Inessa Olenskaya
Dmitry Sherstnev
Birilov Alexander
Mironov Pavel
M. Vorobyova
Svetlana Petrovskaya
Olda Drozd
Ilya Kazak
Sergei Kalinovsky
Sergei Medvedev
Larisa Suslikova
Mikhail Tarasiuk
V. Petrov
Svetlana Birilova
Anton Novitsky
Natalia Konodo
Natalia Tarasiuk
Igor Ryzhyi
Irina Shabanova
Alexander Golovach
Inna Bartosh
Anatoly Laptev
Maria Severin
Alexander Basalai
Natalia Krygina
Svetlana Gorbatok
Olga Baranchik
Boris Leskovsky
Vladislav Filipovich
Andrey Bartashevich
Elena Shinkarevich
Nikolay Yotka
Anna Vovchinskaya
Svetlana Hololovich
Irina Bertsuk
Anton Gashinsky
Olga Karpushonok
Evgeny Maslov
Yulia Kniaz
Irina Voronkova
Igor Petrashevich
Natalia Alekseeva
Alexander Belov
Natalia Vantsovich
Alexander Filanovich
Sergey Garusov
Yuri Galay
Natalia Alexeyuk
Maria Kolesova-Hudzilina
Natalia Metelitsa
Valery Savostyanchik
Vladimir Shlyakhto
Igor Kostyuk
Alexander Baranovsky
Vitaly Lebedev
Larisa Stelmashuk
Alexey Dravitsa
Pavel Pravdikov
Gennady Vlasenko
Tatiana Savchenko
Victoria Nechay
Pavel Kulazhenko
Anna Pavlyuk
Ludmila Asievskaya
Elena Gribok
Sergey Kishenev
Dmitry Mironenko
Maria Davydchik
Sergey Kosmach
Galina Mamonko
Vladimir Yagodinsky
Vladimir Pylchenko
Viktor Matskevich
Oksana Belaya
Natalia Volkova
Olga Demidchik
Sergey Demyanchuk
Yuri Stashkevich
Tatiana Kovalevich
Sergey Vopryuchkov
Inessa Olenskaya
Dmitry Sherstnev
Birilov Alexander
Mironov Pavel
M. Vorobyova
Svetlana Petrovskaya
Olda Drozd
Ilya Kazak
Sergei Kalinovsky
Sergei Medvedev
Larisa Suslikova
Mikhail Tarasiuk
V. Petrov
Svetlana Birilova
Anton Novitsky
Natalia Konodo
Natalia Tarasiuk
Igor Ryzhyi
Irina Shabanova
Alexander Golovach
Inna Bartosh
Anatoly Laptev
Maria Severin
Alexander Basalai
Natalia Krygina
Svetlana Gorbatok
Sergey Zikratsky
Lawyer of the Minsk City Bar Association. Sergey was an attorney in politically motivated cases, Sergei defended journalists and human rights activists.
On March 24, 2021, the attorney did not pass the recertification initiated because of a number of posts made by the attorney on his social media. The Ministry of Justice decided that his comments did not fully comply with the law, and therefore indicated the improper performance of the lawyer's professional duties.
Sergey Zikratsky was expelled from the Bar by a resolution dating March 31, 2021, due to "the inability of fulfilling his professional duties due to poor expertise, confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission on the Issues of Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus."
On March 24, 2021, the attorney did not pass the recertification initiated because of a number of posts made by the attorney on his social media. The Ministry of Justice decided that his comments did not fully comply with the law, and therefore indicated the improper performance of the lawyer's professional duties.
Sergey Zikratsky was expelled from the Bar by a resolution dating March 31, 2021, due to "the inability of fulfilling his professional duties due to poor expertise, confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission on the Issues of Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus."
Olga Baranchik
Olga Baranchik is a former chairman of the MRBA disciplinary commission; she has worked in the legal profession for over 25 years.
She did not pass the recertification on March 24, 2021, due to "the inability to fulfill her professional duties due to poor expertise."
She did not pass the recertification on March 24, 2021, due to "the inability to fulfill her professional duties due to poor expertise."
Boris Leskovsky
Boris Leskovsky has worked in the legal profession for over 25 years; 17 years as an attorney. He was detained and sentenced to administrative arrest after the protest rally. Boris was a defender in the BelTA case.
He did not pass the recertification on March 24, 2021, due to "the inability to fulfill his professional duties because of poor expertise."
He did not pass the recertification on March 24, 2021, due to "the inability to fulfill his professional duties because of poor expertise."
Vladislav Filipovich
Vladislav Filipovich was a defense lawyer in the case involving a clash with the riot police on June 19 in Molodechno. He defended Uladzislau Yeustsihneyeu convicted under Art. 363, para. 2 of the Criminal Code (violent resistance to an internal affairs officer in the performance of his duties to protect public order) and recognized as a political prisoner. He expressed his civic position in his social networks.
He did not pass the recertification on March 24, 2021, due to "the inability to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise."
He did not pass the recertification on March 24, 2021, due to "the inability to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise."
Andrey Bartashevich
The attorney possesses 23 years of legal experience; he graduated from the Belarusian Academy of Public Administration and interned at the Securities Department of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Belarus. From 2002 to 2017 Andrey was a member of the Central Council of the Belarusian Republican Union of Lawyers and was a deputy of the Vileika District Council of Deputies of the 28th convocation.
On March 24, 2021, he was deprived of his license, due to the failure at the recertification based on "poor expertise confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission following the results of the recertification held on March 3, 2021."
On March 24, 2021, he was deprived of his license, due to the failure at the recertification based on "poor expertise confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission following the results of the recertification held on March 3, 2021."
Elena Shinkarevich
On March 24, 2021, she was deprived of her license, and did not pass the recertification due to "poor expertise confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission following the results of the recertification held on March 3, 2021".
Elena was asked if she had deliberately signed the petition against violence (a link to the petition was displayed on her social media). At the certification, she was demanded to quote verbatim the wording of the norms and asked questions related primarily to criminal law, which the lawyer almost does not deal with.
She was an attorney in the administrative proceedings, where the judge considered that the existence of an arrangement of the alleged offender with an attorney proves the former's "intention to participate in illegal events."
Elena was asked if she had deliberately signed the petition against violence (a link to the petition was displayed on her social media). At the certification, she was demanded to quote verbatim the wording of the norms and asked questions related primarily to criminal law, which the lawyer almost does not deal with.
She was an attorney in the administrative proceedings, where the judge considered that the existence of an arrangement of the alleged offender with an attorney proves the former's "intention to participate in illegal events."
Nikolay Yotka
On March 3, 2021, he was called in for recertification by the Qualification Commission on Advocacy Issues under the Ministry of Justice.
On March 24, 2021, the lawyer was deprived of his license, due to failing the recertification because of "poor expertise confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission following the results of the recertification held on March 3, 2021."
On March 24, 2021, the lawyer was deprived of his license, due to failing the recertification because of "poor expertise confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission following the results of the recertification held on March 3, 2021."
Anna Vovchinskaya
Anna was called in for extraordinary recertification on April 21, 2021.
Based on the results of the recertification, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility for the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties within the MRBA due to poor expertise.
Anna possesses 27 years of experience in the legal profession.
Based on the results of the recertification, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility for the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties within the MRBA due to poor expertise.
Anna possesses 27 years of experience in the legal profession.
Svetlana Khololovich
Svetlana was called in for extraordinary certification on April 21, 2021.
Based on the results of the recertification, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility for the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties within the Brest Regional Bar due to poor expertise.
Svetlana Khololovich has worked in the legal profession for 19 years, in 2020 she took part in a campaign providing remote consultations for medical staff who directly worked with COVID-19 patients free of charge.
Based on the results of the recertification, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility for the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties within the Brest Regional Bar due to poor expertise.
Svetlana Khololovich has worked in the legal profession for 19 years, in 2020 she took part in a campaign providing remote consultations for medical staff who directly worked with COVID-19 patients free of charge.
Irina Bertsuk
Irina is an MRBA ex-lawyer (she practiced within Minsk Regional Bar from 1998 to 2021).
The lawyer was disbarred on June 25, 2021. Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice concluded on May 20, 2021, about the impossibility of the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties due to poor expertise.
It is known that the lawyer expressed her civic position on her Facebook page and actively participated as a defender in administrative and criminal proceedings related to political events in Belarus (for instance, in the cases of political prisoners Natallia Hersche, Mikita Kochur.
The lawyer was disbarred on June 25, 2021. Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice concluded on May 20, 2021, about the impossibility of the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties due to poor expertise.
It is known that the lawyer expressed her civic position on her Facebook page and actively participated as a defender in administrative and criminal proceedings related to political events in Belarus (for instance, in the cases of political prisoners Natallia Hersche, Mikita Kochur.
Anton Gashinsky
Anton was a lawyer practicing within the Minsk City Bar. On July 14, 2021, the Qualification Commission of the Ministry of Justice considered materials on the termination of his lawyer's license. The reason allegedly lay in systematic violations of the Law "On Advocacy and Advocate Activity" and the Rules of Professional Ethics of an Attorney.
Maslov, Gashinsky & Partners law firm actively provided legal assistance to clients in many high-profile politically motivated cases.
Anton Gashinsky defended political scientist Vitaly Shkliarov, journalist Andrei Alexandrov, IT specialists of the PandaDoc company, Uladzimir Niaronski (the author of the YouTube channel "Slutsk for Living"), Egor Dudnikov, Olga Filatchenkova (a BSUIR lecturer) accused in the "Student case". Recently, Anton Gashinsky also represented the interests of Sofia Sapieha, who was detained along with Roman Protasevich.
Maslov, Gashinsky & Partners law firm actively provided legal assistance to clients in many high-profile politically motivated cases.
Anton Gashinsky defended political scientist Vitaly Shkliarov, journalist Andrei Alexandrov, IT specialists of the PandaDoc company, Uladzimir Niaronski (the author of the YouTube channel "Slutsk for Living"), Egor Dudnikov, Olga Filatchenkova (a BSUIR lecturer) accused in the "Student case". Recently, Anton Gashinsky also represented the interests of Sofia Sapieha, who was detained along with Roman Protasevich.
Olga Karpushonok
An extraordinary certification took place on August 11, 2021. Based on the results of the certification, it was concluded that the lawyers of the Maslov, Gashinsky & Partners law firm, involving Olga Karpushonok, were unable to fulfill their professional duties "due to poor expertise."
"The grounds for the extraordinary certification was the improper performance of the professional duties of the firm's attorneys, which was revealed in the course of a random inspection of the firm's activities carried out by the Ministry of Justice in the first half of 2021," the Ministry of Justice reported.
"The grounds for the extraordinary certification was the improper performance of the professional duties of the firm's attorneys, which was revealed in the course of a random inspection of the firm's activities carried out by the Ministry of Justice in the first half of 2021," the Ministry of Justice reported.
Evgeny Maslov
The extraordinary certification took place on August 11, 2021. Based on the certification results, it was concluded that the lawyers of the Maslov, Gashinsky & Partners law firm, including Evgeny Maslov, were unable to fulfill their professional duties "due to poor expertise."
"The grounds for the extraordinary certification was the improper performance of the professional duties of the firm's attorneys, which was revealed in the course of a random inspection of the firm's activities carried out by the Ministry of Justice in the first half of 2021," the Ministry of Justice reported.
The lawyer defended the persons accused in the "White Legion" case, other high-profile cases, and administrative proceedings.
"The grounds for the extraordinary certification was the improper performance of the professional duties of the firm's attorneys, which was revealed in the course of a random inspection of the firm's activities carried out by the Ministry of Justice in the first half of 2021," the Ministry of Justice reported.
The lawyer defended the persons accused in the "White Legion" case, other high-profile cases, and administrative proceedings.
Yulia Kniaz
Yulia had an individual law practice.
In January 2021, she was called in for another certification at the Ministry of Justice, during which the discussion took place addressing her participation in lawyers' video message against violence, as well as her posts on the Internet related to the illegal expulsion of students. The Qualification Commission decided on "partial compliance" with the qualification requirements, so the re-certification was appointed in 6 months.
On August 11, 2021, an extraordinary certification took place because of the posts on social media and the lawyer's refusal to undergo knowledge testing of the whole Belarusian legislation. The Qualification Commission decided on "the impossibility of fulfilling a lawyer's professional duties due to poor expertise."
In January 2021, she was called in for another certification at the Ministry of Justice, during which the discussion took place addressing her participation in lawyers' video message against violence, as well as her posts on the Internet related to the illegal expulsion of students. The Qualification Commission decided on "partial compliance" with the qualification requirements, so the re-certification was appointed in 6 months.
On August 11, 2021, an extraordinary certification took place because of the posts on social media and the lawyer's refusal to undergo knowledge testing of the whole Belarusian legislation. The Qualification Commission decided on "the impossibility of fulfilling a lawyer's professional duties due to poor expertise."
Irina Voronkova
On October 28, 2021, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted a regular certification of attorneys of the Grodno Regional Bar and Minsk City Bar.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility of Irina Voronkova to fulfill her professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Irina Voronkova defended Eduard Babaryka, who has been held in the KGB pre-trial detention center since May 18, 2020 (for almost 3 years).
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility of Irina Voronkova to fulfill her professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Irina Voronkova defended Eduard Babaryka, who has been held in the KGB pre-trial detention center since May 18, 2020 (for almost 3 years).
Igor Petrashevich
On October 28, 2021, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted a regular certification of attorneys of the Grodno Regional Bar and Minsk City Bar.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility of Igor Petrashevich to fulfill his professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Igor Petrashevich was the managing partner of the Petrashevich & Partners law firm.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on the impossibility of Igor Petrashevich to fulfill his professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Igor Petrashevich was the managing partner of the Petrashevich & Partners law firm.
Natalia Alekseeva
On November 25, 2021, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted another certification of lawyers of the territorial Bars and considered the termination of licenses.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Natalia Alekseeva due to "poor expertise".
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Natalia Alekseeva due to "poor expertise".
Alexander Belov
On November 25, 2021, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted another certification of lawyers of the territorial Bars and considered the termination of licenses.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Alexander Belov due to "poor expertise".
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Alexander Belov due to "poor expertise".
Natalia Vantsovich
Natalya Vantsovich defended Olga Zolotar, the political prisoner, and mother of many children, who was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Natalya Vantsovich was subjected to disciplinary action initiated due to the Minister of Justice's order of October 13, 2021; the lawyer was reprimanded. The reason for such measures was that the lawyer allegedly allowed the disclosure of the preliminary investigation data, namely the information about the appointment of an examination connected with Olga Zolotar's proceeding. The information about the examination had been already
On November 25, 2021, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted another certification of lawyers of the territorial Bars and considered the termination of licenses.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Natalia Vantsovich due to "poor expertise".
Natalya Vantsovich was subjected to disciplinary action initiated due to the Minister of Justice's order of October 13, 2021; the lawyer was reprimanded. The reason for such measures was that the lawyer allegedly allowed the disclosure of the preliminary investigation data, namely the information about the appointment of an examination connected with Olga Zolotar's proceeding. The information about the examination had been already
On November 25, 2021, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted another certification of lawyers of the territorial Bars and considered the termination of licenses.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Natalia Vantsovich due to "poor expertise".
Alexander Filanovich
On January 26, 2022, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted a regular certification of attorneys of the Grodno Regional Bar and Minsk City Bar.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Alexander Filanovich due to "poor expertise". He defended Sofia Sapieha, a political prisoner.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate the license of Alexander Filanovich due to "poor expertise". He defended Sofia Sapieha, a political prisoner.
Sergey Garusov
On January 26, 2022, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted the certification of attorneys of the territorial Bar associations and considered the termination of licenses.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Sergey Garusov's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Sergey Garusov's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Yuri Galay
On February 24, 2022, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted a regular certification of attorneys of the Grodno Regional Bar and Minsk City Bar.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Yuri Galay's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Yuri Galay's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Natalia Alexeyuk
On March 24, 2022, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted a regular certification of attorneys of the Grodno Regional Bar and Minsk City Bar.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Natalia's impossibility to fulfill her professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Natalia's impossibility to fulfill her professional duties due to "poor expertise".
Maria Kolesova-Hudzilina
On April 21, 2022, it became known that attorney Maria Kolesova-Hudzilina failed the certification at the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice. On May 10, 2022, the lawyer reported that her license had been terminated.
She defended Eduard Palchys, Yauhen Yushkevich and other political prisoners.
She defended Eduard Palchys, Yauhen Yushkevich and other political prisoners.
Natalia Metelitsa
On April 21, 2022, it became known that lawyer Natalia Metelitsa failed the certification at the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice. The commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer to fulfill her professional duties due to poor expertise.
Valery Savostyanchik
On April 21, 2022, based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Valery Savostyanchik's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise.
Valery was a defense lawyer in criminal proceedings initiated after the 2020 elections.
Valery was a defense lawyer in criminal proceedings initiated after the 2020 elections.
Vladimir Shlyakhto
On April 21, 2022, following the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Vladimir Shlyakhto's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise.
Igor Kostyuk
On April 21, 2022, Igor Kostyuk failed the certification at the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice "due to poor expertise."
Igor Kostyuk defended political prisoners; among others, he was a defense attorney for Pavel Piaskou, the first convict for the events of August 2020.
Igor Kostyuk defended political prisoners; among others, he was a defense attorney for Pavel Piaskou, the first convict for the events of August 2020.
Alexander Baranovsky
On June 8, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy conducted an ordinary certification of lawyers of the Minsk City Bar, Minsk Regional Bar, Gomel Regional Bar Associations.
Alexander Baranovsky's license was terminated due to the lawyer's "poor expertise".
Alexander Baranovsky's license was terminated due to the lawyer's "poor expertise".
Vitaly Lebedev
On June 8, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy conducted an ordinary certification of lawyers of the Minsk City Bar, Minsk Regional Bar, Gomel Regional Bar Associations.
Vitaly Lebedev's license was terminated due to the lawyer's "poor expertise".
Vitaly Lebedev's license was terminated due to the lawyer's "poor expertise".
Larisa Stelmashuk
On June 8, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy conducted an ordinary certification of lawyers of the Minsk City Bar, Minsk Regional Bar, Gomel Regional Bar Associations.
Larisa Stelmashuk's license was terminated due to the lawyer's "poor expertise".
Larisa Stelmashuk's license was terminated due to the lawyer's "poor expertise".
Alexey Dravitsa
On June 8, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy conducted an ordinary certification of lawyers of the Minsk City Bar, Minsk Regional Bar, Gomel Regional Bar Associations.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Alexey Dravitsa's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Alexey Dravitsa's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise.
Pavel Pravdikov
On June 8, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy conducted an ordinary certification of lawyers of the Minsk City Bar, Minsk Regional Bar, Gomel Regional Bar Associations.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Pavel Pravdikov's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise.
Based on the certification results, the Qualification Commission decided on Pavel Pravdikov's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties due to poor expertise.
Gennady Vlasenko
On September 6, 2022, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice conducted an extraordinary certification of lawyers, including four attorneys of the Gomel Regional Bar Association. The Commission decided on Gennady Vlasenko's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties "due to poor expertise."
Tatiana Savchenko
On September 6, 2022, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice conducted an extraordinary certification of lawyers, including four attorneys of the Gomel Regional Bar Association. The Commission decided on Tatiana's impossibility to fulfill her professional duties "due to poor expertise."
Victoria Nechay
On September 6, 2022, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice conducted an extraordinary certification of lawyers, including four attorneys of the Gomel Regional Bar Association. The Commission decided on Victoria's impossibility to fulfill her professional duties "due to poor expertise."
Pavel Kulazhenko
On September 6, 2022, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice conducted an extraordinary certification of lawyers, including four attorneys of the Gomel Regional Bar Association. The Commission decided on Pavel's impossibility to fulfill his professional duties "due to poor expertise."
Anna Pavlyuk
On September 6, 2022, the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice conducted an extraordinary certification of lawyers, including four attorneys of the Gomel Regional Bar Association. The Commission decided on Anna's impossibility to fulfill her professional duties "due to poor expertise."
Ludmila Asievskaya
On November 3, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy held the next attestation of lawyers.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the impossibility of the lawyer Asievskaya L.I. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the impossibility of the lawyer Asievskaya L.I. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Elena Gribok
On November 3, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy held the next attestation of lawyers.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the possibility of terminating the license in respect of Elena Gribok in connection with the decisions taken on the impossibility of the lawyers to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the possibility of terminating the license in respect of Elena Gribok in connection with the decisions taken on the impossibility of the lawyers to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Sergey Kishenev
On November 3, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy held the next attestation of lawyers.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the possibility of terminating the licenses in respect of Sergey Kishenev in connection with the decisions made on the impossibility of the lawyers to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the possibility of terminating the licenses in respect of Sergey Kishenev in connection with the decisions made on the impossibility of the lawyers to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Dmitry Mironenko
On November 3, 2022, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy held the next attestation of lawyers.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the possibility of terminating the licenses in respect of Dmitry Mironenko in connection with the decisions taken on the impossibility of the lawyers to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, a decision was made on the possibility of terminating the licenses in respect of Dmitry Mironenko in connection with the decisions taken on the impossibility of the lawyers to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Vladimir Pylchenko
As it became known to the Right to Defense project, the Qualification Commission did not attest the lawyer Vladimir Pylchenko, who was summoned for an extraordinary attestation on December 1, 2022.
Recall that Vladimir Pylchenko is a lawyer for Maria Kolesnikova, Eduard Babariko, Irina Slavnikova, Ekaterina Bakhvalova, Levon Khalatryan and others.
Recall that Vladimir Pylchenko is a lawyer for Maria Kolesnikova, Eduard Babariko, Irina Slavnikova, Ekaterina Bakhvalova, Levon Khalatryan and others.
Viktor Matskevich
As it became known to the Right to Defense project, the Qualification Commission did not certify the lawyer Viktor Matskevich, who was summoned for an extraordinary certification on December 1, 2022.
Recall that Viktor Matskevich is a lawyer for Sergei Tikhanovsky, Igor Olinevich, Akihiro Gaevsky-Khanada, Yevgeny Yushkevich, Viktor Babariko, Ales Byalyatsky.
Recall that Viktor Matskevich is a lawyer for Sergei Tikhanovsky, Igor Olinevich, Akihiro Gaevsky-Khanada, Yevgeny Yushkevich, Viktor Babariko, Ales Byalyatsky.
Maria Davydchik
On December 1, 2022, based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission made decisions on the impossibility of the lawyer Davydchik Maria to fulfill her professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Sergey Kosmach
On December 1, 2022, based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission made decisions on the impossibility of the lawyer Sergey Kosmach from fulfilling his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications".
Galina Mamonko
On December 1, 2022, based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission made decisions on the impossibility of the lawyer Mamonko Galina from fulfilling her professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Vladimir Yagodinsky
On December 1, 2022, based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for lawyer Vladimir Yagodinsky to fulfill his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Oksana Belaya
On January 25, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Minsk Regional Bar Association.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Belaya O.V. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications. The lawyer defended the defendants in the T*tby case, defending Marina Zolotova.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Belaya O.V. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications. The lawyer defended the defendants in the T*tby case, defending Marina Zolotova.
Natalia Volkova
On January 25, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Minsk Regional Bar Association.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Volkova N.M. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Volkova N.M. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Olga Demidchik
On January 25, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Minsk Regional Bar Association.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Olga Demidchik to fulfill her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Olga Demidchik to fulfill her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Sergey Demyanchuk
On January 25, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Minsk Regional Bar Association.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Sergey Demyanchuk to fulfill his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Sergey Demyanchuk to fulfill his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Yuri Stashkevich
On August 11, 2021, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy conducted an extraordinary attestation of the lawyers of the Maslov, Gashinsky and Partners bureau in connection with the "improper performance by the lawyers of the said bureau of their professional duties."
Based on the results of the attestation, the commission decided that lawyer Yury Stashkevich could not fulfill his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, the commission decided that lawyer Yury Stashkevich could not fulfill his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Tatiana Kovalevich
On February 22, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy held a regular attestation of lawyers of the Minsk City and Grodno Regional Collegiums.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Kovalevich T.V. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Kovalevich T.V. their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Sergey Vopryuchkov
On March 22, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Vitebsk and Minsk Regional Bar Associations. Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission decided to deprive Vopryuchkov S.K. licenses in connection with the application of a disciplinary sanction to him in the form of exclusion from the Vitebsk Regional Bar Association for committing an offense incompatible with the title of a lawyer (committing actions that discredit the title of a lawyer and the bar).
Inessa Olenskaya
On March 22, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Vitebsk and Minsk Regional Bar Associations. Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission made a decision on the impossibility of the lawyer Olenskaya I. V. fulfilling her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Olenskaya defended political prisoners Sergei Tikhanovsky, Roman Protasevich, Nastya Loika and Grigory Kostusev.
Olenskaya defended political prisoners Sergei Tikhanovsky, Roman Protasevich, Nastya Loika and Grigory Kostusev.
Dmitry Sherstnev
On March 22, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus held the next attestation of lawyers of the Vitebsk and Minsk Regional Bar Associations. Based on the results of the attestation, the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for lawyer Dmitry Sherstnev to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Birilov Alexander
On June 16, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus decided that it was impossible for the lawyer Alexander Birilov to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Pavel Mironov
On June 16, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus decided that it was impossible for lawyer Pavel Mironov to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
M. Vorobyova
On July 14, 2023, a meeting of the Qualification Commission on legal practice in the Republic of Belarus was held. The Qualification Commission carried out the certification of lawyers of the Gomel Regional and Minsk City Bar Associations. Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions that it was impossible for M.M. Vorobyova to fulfill their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
In April 2018, she was the head of the legal consultation office of the Partizansky District of the Minsk City Bar.
In April 2018, she was the head of the legal consultation office of the Partizansky District of the Minsk City Bar.
Svetlana Petrovskaya
On July 14, 2023, a meeting of the Qualification Commission on advocacy in the Republic of Belarus was held. The Qualification Commission carried out the certification of lawyers of the Gomel Regional and Minsk City Bar Associations. Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions on the impossibility of Petrovskaya S.V. to fulfill her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Olga Drozd
On July 14, 2023, a meeting of the Qualification Commission on advocacy in the Republic of Belarus was held. The Qualification Commission carried out the certification of lawyers of the Gomel Regional and Minsk City Bar Associations.
The Qualification Commission made decisions on the possibility of terminating licenses to practice law in relation to Drozd O.S. The basis for making the relevant decisions were the decisions of the commission adopted based on the results of certification in May and June 2023.
The Qualification Commission made decisions on the possibility of terminating licenses to practice law in relation to Drozd O.S. The basis for making the relevant decisions were the decisions of the commission adopted based on the results of certification in May and June 2023.
Ilya Kazak
On July 14, 2023, a meeting of the Qualification Commission on advocacy in the Republic of Belarus was held. The Qualification Commission carried out the certification of lawyers of the Gomel Regional and Minsk City Bar Associations.
The Qualification Commission made decisions on the possibility of terminating licenses to practice law in relation to I.V. Kazak. The basis for making the relevant decisions were the decisions of the commission adopted based on the results of certification in May and June 2023.
The Qualification Commission made decisions on the possibility of terminating licenses to practice law in relation to I.V. Kazak. The basis for making the relevant decisions were the decisions of the commission adopted based on the results of certification in May and June 2023.
Sergei Kalinovsky
On July 14, 2023, a meeting of the Qualification Commission on advocacy in the Republic of Belarus was held. The Qualification Commission carried out the next certification of lawyers of the Gomel Regional and Minsk City Bar Associations.
The Qualification Commission also made decisions on the possibility of terminating licenses to practice law in relation to S.M. Kalinovsky. The basis for making the relevant decisions were the decisions of the commission adopted based on the results of certification in May and June 2023.
The Qualification Commission also made decisions on the possibility of terminating licenses to practice law in relation to S.M. Kalinovsky. The basis for making the relevant decisions were the decisions of the commission adopted based on the results of certification in May and June 2023.
Sergei Medvedev
On August 10, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted an extraordinary certification for lawyer Sergei Medvedev.
Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions about the impossibility of the lawyer fulfilling his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions about the impossibility of the lawyer fulfilling his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Larisa Suslikova
On August 10, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted an extraordinary certification for the lawyer Larisa Suslikova.
Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions about the impossibility of the lawyer fulfilling her professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions about the impossibility of the lawyer fulfilling her professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Mikhail Tarasiuk
On August 10, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted an extraordinary certification for the lawyer M.Tarasiuk.
Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions about the impossibility of the lawyer fulfilling his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Based on the results of the certification, the Qualification Commission made decisions about the impossibility of the lawyer fulfilling his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
V.Petrov
Based on the results of the ordinary certification, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus made decisions on the impossibility of lawyer V.A. Petrov to perform his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications." Deprived of license on this basis.
Svetlana Birilova
On December 21, 2023, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted the ordinary certification of lawyers of territorial bar associations, as a result of which the Qualification Commission made decisions on the impossibility of fulfilling her professional duties by the lawyer of the Grodno Regional Bar Association S.L. Birilova.
Anton Novitsky
On December 21, 2023, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted the next certification of lawyers of territorial bar associations, as a result of which the Qualification Commission made decisions on the impossibility of fulfilling his professional duties by the lawyer of the Minsk Regional Bar Association Novitsky A.A.
Natalia Tarasiuk
On November 22, 2023, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy conducted certification of lawyers of territorial bar associations, as a result of which the Qualification Commission decided that it was impossible for the lawyer of the Minsk City Bar Association Tarasiuk N.I. to perform her professional duties.
Natalia Konodo
On January 18, 2024, the Ministry of Justice of Belarus held a regular meeting of the Qualification Commission on issues of Advocacy. The Qualifications Commission decided that it was impossible for lawyer Natalya Konodo to fulfill her professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Igor Ryzhyi
On January 18, 2024, the Ministry of Justice of Belarus held a regular meeting of the Qualification Commission on issues of advocacy. The Qualification Commission made decisions that it was impossible for lawyer Igor Ryzhyi to fulfill his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications."
Irina Shabanova
On February 15, 2024, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted a regular certification of attorneys from the Vitebsk Regional and Minsk City Bar Associations. Following this, the commission determined that attorney Irina Alekseyevna Shabanova was "unable to perform her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications".
On March 14, 2024, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate I.A. Shabanova's license due to her "inability to perform her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications, as confirmed by the Qualification Commission's decision of February 15, 2024".
On March 14, 2024, the Qualification Commission decided to terminate I.A. Shabanova's license due to her "inability to perform her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications, as confirmed by the Qualification Commission's decision of February 15, 2024".
Alexander Golovach
On March 14, 2024, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted an unscheduled certification of attorneys. As a result of the unscheduled certification, it was determined that attorney Alexander Sergeyevich Golovach was unable to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications. The basis for the unscheduled certification was evidence of the attorneys' insufficient qualifications, which were identified during audits of their professional activities.
While the procedure for revoking a license by decision of the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice is unlawful, it is worth noting that Alexander Golovach previously worked as an investigator in the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus.
While the procedure for revoking a license by decision of the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice is unlawful, it is worth noting that Alexander Golovach previously worked as an investigator in the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus.
Inna Bartosh
On May 7, 2024, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted a regular certification of attorneys. Based on the certification results, a decision was made regarding Inna Cheslavovna Bartosh's "inability to perform her professional duties".
On June 6, 2024, decisions were made regarding the possible termination of I.C.Bartosh's licenses "due to the attorneys' inability to perform their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications, as confirmed by the Qualification Commission's decision of May 7, 2024".
On June 6, 2024, decisions were made regarding the possible termination of I.C.Bartosh's licenses "due to the attorneys' inability to perform their professional duties due to insufficient qualifications, as confirmed by the Qualification Commission's decision of May 7, 2024".
Anatoly Laptev
On May 7, 2024, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted a regular certification of attorneys. Based on the certification results, it was determined that A.N. Laptev was unable to perform his professional duties. On June 6, 2024, decisions were made to terminate A.N. Laptev's licenses due to his inability to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications, as confirmed by the Qualification Commission's decision of May 7, 2024.
Although the procedure for revoking a license through a decision by the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice is illegal in itself, it is worth noting that shortly before the revocation, on April 17, Anatoly Laptev published an article entitled "For Terrorism - to Accountability," in which he argued that the amendments to the criminal legislation providing for the death penalty for treason (a crime used to persecute citizens for political reasons) are aimed at "increasing the effectiveness of protecting the peace and security of humanity, protecting public and state interests, the constitutional order of the Republic of Belarus and the established legal order from criminal attacks of an extremist nature, preventing crimes, and educating citizens in the spirit of compliance with the laws of the Republic of Belarus."
Although the procedure for revoking a license through a decision by the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice is illegal in itself, it is worth noting that shortly before the revocation, on April 17, Anatoly Laptev published an article entitled "For Terrorism - to Accountability," in which he argued that the amendments to the criminal legislation providing for the death penalty for treason (a crime used to persecute citizens for political reasons) are aimed at "increasing the effectiveness of protecting the peace and security of humanity, protecting public and state interests, the constitutional order of the Republic of Belarus and the established legal order from criminal attacks of an extremist nature, preventing crimes, and educating citizens in the spirit of compliance with the laws of the Republic of Belarus."
Maria Severin
On August 8, 2024, the Qualification Commission on Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted a regular certification of attorneys of the Minsk City and Minsk Regional Bar Associations. Based on the results, it was determined that attorney M.A.Severin was unable to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications. On September 5, a decision was made to terminate M.A.Severin's license due to the attorney's inability to perform his professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications, as confirmed by the decision of the Qualification Commission following the regular certification on August 8, 2024".
Alexander Basalai
On December 19, 2024, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted a regular certification of attorneys from regional bar associations. Based on the results of the certification, decisions were made regarding A.N.Basalai, an attorney with the Grodno Regional Bar Association, declaring him unable to perform his professional duties due to insufficient qualifications.
Although the procedure for revoking a license by decision of the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice is illegal, it is worth noting that from 1999 to 2007, A. Basalai served in the KGB Directorate for the Grodno Region. As journalists note, a week before his license was revoked, there were no signs of trouble: on December 11, he was holding a free public reception at the Belaya Rus public reception office.
Although the procedure for revoking a license by decision of the Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice is illegal, it is worth noting that from 1999 to 2007, A. Basalai served in the KGB Directorate for the Grodno Region. As journalists note, a week before his license was revoked, there were no signs of trouble: on December 11, he was holding a free public reception at the Belaya Rus public reception office.
Natalia Krygina
On March 13, 2025, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus administered a qualification examination. Attorneys from regional bar associations were certified, and based on the results, it was determined that attorney N.V. Krygina (Minsk City Bar Association) was "unable to perform her professional duties due to insufficient qualifications".
Svetlana Gorbatok
On August 8, 2025, the Qualification Commission for Advocacy in the Republic of Belarus conducted a regular certification of attorneys. Based on the results, it was determined that S.N. Gorbatok, an attorney with the Minsk City Bar Association, was unable to perform her professional duties "due to insufficient qualifications".
Svetlana Gorbatok defended anarchist Nikolai Dziadok and Vladimir Kniga, who was tried in the "Tikhanovsky case."
Svetlana Gorbatok defended anarchist Nikolai Dziadok and Vladimir Kniga, who was tried in the "Tikhanovsky case."
