Activists detained ahead of New Year’s Day
On 30-31 December, Belarusian police have detained a number of opposition activists to prevent them from staging protests scheduled for New Year’s night.
On 30 December, the United Civil Party youth wing leader Aliaksandr Stsepanenka was sentenced to five days of administrative arrest on disorderly conduct charges.
Another UCP youth leader Aleh Korban was questioned by the KGB, who inquired about the upcoming protest in central Minsk. The activist was eventually released.
On 30 December, Homel activist of “Revolution Through Social Network” community Zmitser Shauchenka has been sentenced to five days of arrest for alleged violation of mass events procedures (Art. 23.34 of the Administrative Code).
On the same day, Pavel Vinahradau, former political prisoner and activist of the Speak the Truth civil campaign, was interrogated by the police. During the interrogation, he was charged with disorderly conduct and taken to Minsk detention center in Akrestsin Street to stand trial on 2 January.
On 31 December, Ales Krot, activist of the StudRada students’ movement, has been taken to Minsk Kastrychnitski District Police Department for a “conversation”. His associates say he is likely to be tried and arrested on false charges.
