MINSK, May 22 - RAPSI. A Belarusian court has started to hear on Tuesday a case against renowned Belarusian opposition figure Viktor Ivashkevich, who has called on the EU to impose sanctions against the country.

Ivashkevich earlier urged the EU to block Belarusian goods - and specifically oil products.

Refinery worker Marina Tsyblienko has asked the court to recover 500,000 Belarusian rubles (nearly $60) from Ivashkevich as compensation for moral damage. She also wants him to refute his previous statements and to refrain from making further calls for sanctions.

The woman said the situation frightens her, as she could lose her job in the event of sanctions.

In turn, Ivashkevich has denied the charges and advised Tsyblienko to file complaints against the Belarusian government for devaluating the Belarusian ruble, which has led to a price rise.

In early April, Ivashkevich was ordered to remain in the country after the court accepted a motion against him.