BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

11/01/2008

Belarusian Police Detain Demonstrators, Prevent Participation In Protest

Police detained a group of 20 youth activists following the January 10 unsanctioned demonstration of small-business owners in Minsk, Belapan reported. Anatol Shumchanka, leader of the Perspektyva small-business association, and Anatol Lyabedzka, leader of the oppositional United Civic Party, were also arrested. Police earlier detained several other small-business activists, preventing them from participating in the protest. Officers detained Alyaksandr Makayeu, interviewed him at the police station, then brought him home and forbade him to leave it under threat of immediate arrest. Police detained Viktar Kryval and Alyaksandr Tsatsura while they were traveling to Minsk, claiming that a car similar to theirs had recently struck a pedestrian. On the eve of the demonstration, police arrested Alyaksandr Siuchyk and Aleh Shabetnik on charges of disorderly conduct or using foul language in a public place. Siuchyk was sentenced to 10 days in jail and Shabetnik to five days and a fine of $328. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/01/3-cee/cee-110108.asp