Trial over Barazenka: riot policeman outrage state symbols

Opposition activists flied a flag near the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk. Hearings in the case of political prisoner Alexander Barazenka are taking place today. Rallies of solidarity with the prisoner of conscience are held in front of the building of the court for the second day. Oppositionists are holding a streamer ‘Freedom to Barazenka!’, shouting ‘Freedom to political prisoners!’, ‘Long live Belarus!’

As a sign of support to Alexander Barazenka, young activists hanged out a national white-red-white flag on the building next to the court. The building was immediately encircled by riot policemen. The flag was removed, and documents of all persons passing by were checked.

A staffer of the Charter’97 press-centre witnessed two riot policemen crumpled the national flag, spat at it and started to wipe boots on it…