Picket in Vitebsk ended with detentions

Today Vitebsk activists organized a picket in the center of the city. The picket commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Belarusian Democratic Republic. Several activists held white and red balloons and umbrellas. Women unfolded embroidered towel with the symbols of BDR. In a couple of minutes after the beginning they were approached by policemen who detained Barys Khamaida, Vadzim Barshcheuski, Alena Zaleskaya, and Antanina Pivanos.

Human rights defender Leanid Svetsik reports, all the detained were taken to Chyhunachny police department, where the policemen drew up reports.

At the same time Kastrychnitski court of Vitebsk began the trial over Aliaksandar Kuzniatsou, head of Vitebsk branch of BPF Youth. Kuzniatsou was detained yesterday evening, and charged with participation in an unauthorized event.