Activists fined over picket in Barysaŭ
A poster demanding the resignation of Defense Minister Andrei Raukou
Human rights activist Aleh Matskevich was detained by Barysaŭ police last afternoon, as he was picketing to demand the resignation of Defense Minister Andrei Raukou and prosecution of all those responsible for the death of conscript Aliaksandr Korzhych in a military unit near the city earlier this month. The picket was joined by local opposition activist Ales Abramovich, who was also detained.
On October 13, Matskevich officially applied for holding a rally outside a Defense Ministry building in the city’s central square. However, the executive committee banned the picket.
The police also detained two reporters who were covering the protest. Both were soon released without charges.
Later the same day, the two activists stood trial and were found guilty of taking part in an unauthorized mass event (Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code.) Aleh Matskevich was fined 690 rubles, while Ales Abramovich — 1,150 rubles.
