BCD activist put on KGB’s preventive register

On 22 October Aleh Aksionau, activist of the Belarusian Christian Democracy’s Mahiliou office, received a phone call from a KGB agent who suggested having a meeting. A few hours later, the activist visited the KGB department to receive a warning for activities on behalf of an unregistered organization.

“I tried to prove that the activities dealt with the BCD’s organizing committee, but investigator Andrei Makhunou would not listen. At the end of the conversation, I was offered to view a paper saying that I had been put on a preventive register. The paper was signed by chairman of the KGB’s Mahiliou Regional Department Ihar Siarheyenka,” says Aleh Aksionau.

The activist says he intends to appeal the decision.

Earlier, two more local opposition activists (Zmitser Salauyou, member of the Belarusian Popular Front “Adradzhenne”, and another BCD activist Tatsiana Shambalava) were put on the KGB’s preventive register.

Human rights defender Barys Bukhel says the measures may restrict foreign travel and authorize wider opportunities for law enforcement agencies, including unwarranted wiretaps, surveillance and interrogations.