Participants of commemoration of rebels in Svislach are summonsed to police

On November 13, the head of Hrodna regional branch of the United Civil Party Aliaksandra Vasilevich received a telephone call from a police inspector, who invited her to come for giving explanations.

As she learned, the aim of “questioning” was the participation of the activist in the allegedly unauthorized action isthe Traditional Memorial Day in honor of rebels of 1863-1864, which is held annually in the town of Svislach (in the Hrodna region). Participants of the event visit the grave of Viktar Kalinouski, brother of Kanstantsin Kalinouski (who headed the uprising against the Russian Empire), lay flowers at places related to the uprising and visit Yakushouka, where the family estate of the Kalinouski family is situated. This year, the event coincided with the funeral of the Svislach activist Viktar Dzesiatsik who had taken much efforts to popularize this day and its celebration.

“I can not get used to the cynicism of the authorities”, says Aliaksandra Vasilevich. I came to the funeral of Viktar Dzesiatsik together with friends. Of course, I couldn't but visit the places connected with the uprising of Kalinouski which Viktar worked hard to preserve and beautify. And suddenly I'm told that I have taken part in an unsanctioned event. Do we have to take permission for a funeral? We won't leave it like that. The people will informed about such actions of law-enforcement agencies.

As it became known, another resident of Hrodna, UCP activist Viktar Babkin is summonsed to the police as well by the same police inspector. That's why it cannot be ruled out that other participants of the memorial event would not be summonsed to the police.

Earlier, the same thing happened to a friend of Viktar Dzesiatsik, Yury Hlebik.