Police drag on investigation into mass illegal arrests

The Human Rights Center “Viasna” and the Center for Legal Transformation “Lawtrend” are urging the Investigative Committee and Minsk City Prosecutor’s Office to speed up the investigation into the cases of mass arbitrary detentions at a concert organized by the Food Not Bombs campaign in Minsk-based “Yo-Ma-Yo” club on 24 March.

At least eight complaints are said to be under consideration at Minsk Tsentralny District office of the Investigative Committee. Meanwhile, the period of investigation into the incident has been with no reason given extended till 13 July, i.e. the complaints are going to be considered for at least three months.

Human rights defenders fear the decision will not contribute to a proper review of the case, urging the investigators to provide detailed comments on the results of the check. They also demand to initiate criminal proceedings against those guilty of the arbitrary detention of some 100 youths.