New accused in mass riot case Baranovich imprisoned, say human rights defenders

Sviataslau Baranovich, 25, charged with involvement in the 19 December mass riot, has been in custody in Minsk detention center #1 in Valadarski Street since 15 June.

Mr. Baranovich faces charges under Par. 2 Art. 293 of the Criminal Code. The investigators argue he took a truncheon from one of the riot policemen and hit the police shields. At the same time, he reportedly attempted to hit the policemen. The accused himself only admits his guilt in part – he says he did hit the shields, but did not intend to use violence against the police. He also denies there was mass riot in the Square on 19 December 2010.