Police detain wheelchair user during banned picket in Svetlahorsk

Civil society activist Yury Liashenka was detained this afternoon in Svetlahorsk. The city authorities did not allow the wheelchair user to stage a picket at the city’s central square. The activist intended to protest against failure to meet the rights of persons with disabilities during the renovation of a residential building in Lenin Street. As a result, the desperate activist decided to hold an unsanctioned rally.

According to witnesses, as soon as the activist in a wheelchair unfurled a banner with the phrase “Down with the chaos!”, he was approached by an ambulance. Yury Liashenka was then taken away in an unknown direction.

The activist’s phone does not respond, his current whereabouts are unknown.