Vitsebsk: Police Search Apartments of Democratic Activists

According to Charter’97 and RFE/RL

On 5 September searches were carried out in the apartments of the youth activists Zhana Iamaikina and Mikita Abramenka. The police referred to the order of the worker of Vitsebsk police Volha Zyl who investigates the events that took place on 17-18 June in Vitsebsk (several dozens of youth activists hanged out a number of white-red-white flags and made inscriptions Free Political Prisoners on the walls). A mobile phone and computer of Iamaikina were seized. After the search Abramenka was taken to a police department for interrogation. The police also searched Iury Iahorau’s flat, confiscated his computer, mobile phone, notebooks and three flyers with invitations to Chernobyl Way rally.

On 26 July searches were carried out in the apartments of the youth activists Tatsiana Dziadok, Tatsiana Ialavaia, Iauhen Babkovich and Alena and Katsyaryna Kazak.

According to the UCP press service, a search in the apartment of Yury Yahorau has been held today. As we have informed, after the events in Vitsebsk criminal actions have been brought up against some youth activists. In the official police report it was stated that “those citizens have prepared, planned and organized a mass unsanctioned rally at the territory of Kastrychnitski district of Vitsebsk. The rally was aimed at violation of public order and thwarting of a cultural event”.

The matter concerns a number of protest rallies in June 2006, when young activists put up a national white-red-white flag on a high tower and distributed leaflets.