10 Days of Jail for Picketing Russian Embassy

2 April youth activists (mainly representatives of the Jeans – For Freedom movement) attempted to hold a picket near the diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in Minsk. They brought with them a white-red-white flag and a banner No to Russia – Yes to EU. The action was dedicated to the official Day of consolidation of the Russian and the Belarusian people.

The Embassy guard noticed the picketers and called to the police, who arrived by three duty cars. There were firearms in one of the cars. The policemen seized two girls, Palina Dzyiakova and Palina Kuryianovich. The others managed to retreat to Bahdanovich Street. The detainees were guarded to the Tsentralny district police department of Minsk. The administration reports under article 23.34 (violation of the order of organizing and holding mass actions) were drawn on them. In three hours Palina Dzyiakava was let go because of her being under age. Palina Kuryianovich was taken to the remand prison in Akrestsin Street till trial. The following day she was sentenced to 10 days of jail by Tatsiana Pauliuchuk, judge of Tsentralny district court of Minsk.

The picketers stated that they hoped for some understanding of manifestations of the freedom of expression from the side of the Russian Embassy, but, pitifully enough, everything went on the usual scenario.