Baranavichy activist to stand trial over entrepreneurs’ protests

Baranavichy entrepreneur and civil society activist Mikalai Charnavus is accused of committing two administrative offenses. The charges he is facing are based on a police report that was handed over to the activist at his workplace by police major Dzmitry Mizher.

Mikalai Charnavus is accused of violating Par. 3, Art. 23.34 of the Code for Administrative Offences (organizing and holding an unauthorized mass event) allegedly committed during two protests staged by Baranavichy entrepreneurs on June 27 and July 1. The first rally was held at the Kaaperatyuny Market, the other was staged in front of the local tax inspection building. Mikalai Charnavus was holding posters “We Want to Work” and “We do not Need Such a Customs Union.”

Last week the activist was summoned to the police department of Baranavichy. There he was forced to provide written explanations. He was also told that he would be called in later. However, after a talk with the director of the Kaaperatyuny Market and head of the tax inspection, the need to re-call him disappeared, and he was charged with two offences, instead.