Barys Khamaida Detained in Vitebsk

About 10 a.m. distributor of the independent press Barys Khamaida came to his usual place near the so-called “blue house”. Besides the printed editions he had a bell and a black ribbon on his forehead. He held a poster that reminded the passers-by about the anniversary of Chernobyl disaster.

Barys Khamaida stood on the street for only 5 minutes, when about a dozen police and special services officers appeared nearby. The opposition member was taken to Chyhunachny police station.

Barys Khamaida is charged with violation of Article 23.24 of the Administrative Code – “violation of the procedure of organizing and holding mass actions or picketing”. Possibly, the trial will take place today.