Police Refuse to Bring Criminal Case against Themselves

14.10.2005.

According to RFE/RL

Minsk Tsentralny Borough Police refused to bring a criminal case against the riot squad policemen who on 16 September beat the activist of Zubr movement Mikita Sasim. He was detained at the street action, dedicated to the anniversary of the kidnap of Viktar Hanchar and Anatol Krasouski and beaten on the way to the police station.

Then he got to hospital with the diagnosis – brain concussion as a result of cranial trauma. The victim’s testimony was put down, but the policemen refused to bring a criminal case on the fact. Mikita Sasim stated he would complain to all appropriate organs to get the case brought.

In July a policeman hit in the face Sviatlana Zavadskaia who protested against the protraction of the investigation of the kidnap of her husband Zmitsier Zavadski. The criminal case against the aggressor hasn’t been brought either.

Mikita Sasim, the well-known Belarusian journalist Iryna Khalip and the leader of the civil initiative “We Remember” Iryna Krasouskaia proposed to hold the Day of Solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, missing opposition activist and all who struggles for freedom and democracy in Belarus. They urge Belarusians to turn off the light at 8 p.m. on 16 October for 15 minutes and put lit candles on the window-sills.