Administrative trials and persecution of civic activists continue in Minsk (updated)

Yesterday in the evening, police officers tried to forcibly break into the apartment of Siarhei Biaspalau who is the moderator of social network groups “We are bored with Lukashenka” and “Only SHOS!” 

According to his friend Raman Pratasevich, around 10 p.m., the police officers broke off the doors of Siarhei’s apartment. Siarhei jumped out of the bedroom’s window and managed to escape. Siarhei’s parents and girlfriend were brought to Frunzenski district police department and were released after the interrogation. Siarhei has been at the safe place now. For sure, he will not be found there.

Let us recall that yesterday, in Savetski district court of Minsk a trial of Andrei Tkachou, formerly known asthe moderator of groups “We are bored with Lukashenka” and “Only SHOS!” in the social network “VKontakte”, was held. Police officers drew up reports on administrative offence on “classic” for the Belarusian opposition articles 17.1 (disorderly conduct) and 23.4 (disobedience to the law-enforcement officials). Because no one was allowed to be present at the court proceeding, human rights defenders take measures to find out the results of Andrei’s trial.

The officers of Partyzanski and Savetski police departments of Minsk continue to search for the Head of Young Christian Democrats Maryna Khomich and intimidate her friends. Police officers have been visiting Maryna’s friends and search for her in their apartments.

As a ground for enter private apartments, the police offices refer to alleged neighbours’ complaints about loud music from these apartments. After the police officers visited her relatives, Maryna was called by phone by a police officer who invited her to come for questioning.

On 8 May, Co-chairman of the Organizational Committee to establish the party “Belarusian Christian Democracy” Paval Seviarynets was called to the criminal and executive inspection of the Frunzenski district of Minsk, and was officially warned about the inadmissibility of unlawful actions. Paval Seviarynets links this incident with the Ice Hockey World Championship that will begin tomorrow in Minsk.

The police is also searching for “Zmena” activist Jahor Viniatski, but he is not at home. 

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The hearing on the administrative case of “European Belarus”’ activist Siarhei Matskoits is now taking place in Maskouski district court of Minsk. The police officers took him from home and brought to the district police department. He is accused of violating article 17.1 of Administrative Code (disorderly conduct).

Civic activists Nastassia Kukhto and Aliaksandr Arlou were sentenced to 17 and 20 days of arrest by judges Yuliya Zakreuskaia and Lapo of the Frunzenski district court of Minsk. The activists were detained at night and accused of violating articles 17.1 and 23.4 of the Administrative Code.

The activist of “European Belarus” Leanid Kulakou has been sentenced to 10 days of arrestby judge Yury Garbatouski of the Pershamaiski district court of Minsk. Leanid was detained yesterday in the second half of the day, and then was brought to the Pershamaiski district police department.

13:25. Yet another detentions of activists: representative of national bolshevik movement Zmicer Palienka in Minsk, activist of “Malady Front” Zmicer Yushkevich from Slonim, and Uladzimir Zapasau.

Uladzimir Zapasau has just been sentenced to 15 days of arrest by Zavadski district court of Minsk.

14:30. Co-chairman of the Organizational Committee to establish the party “Belarusian Christian Democracy” Vital Rymasheuski is called to the Savetski district police department of Minsk. It is possible that this incident is connected with the persecution of opposition activists ahead of Ice Hockey World Championship.

16:30. Zmicer Palienka was finally brought to Zvadski district court for a hearing.

16:55. Former political prisoner Siarhei Martseleu was summoned to the police department today.

20:20. Siarhei Kazakou is sentenced to 20 days of arrest by Leninski district court of Minsk. 

Zmicer Yushkevich from Slonim is sentenced to 20 days of arrest.