Ex-deputy Minister of Internal Affairs imprisoned for 3.5 years

The ex-deputy Minister was arrested on December 8, 2011. His trial began on January 14.

Poludzen was returned guilty of power abuse. However, he was returned not guilty of bribery (100 litres of diesel fuel).

Poludzen's wife, a few relatives and journalists were in the court room when his sentence was pronounced. He was allowed to talk to his minor son for a short period before the hearing, BelaPAN reports.

Poludzen was also fined for about 9.5 million roubles.