Baranavichy Activist Fined 155, 000 BYR

On October 16 Baranavichy democrats organized an action of Solidarity. About 8 p.m. young people gathered near Viasiolka supermarket and lighted candles. Zmitser Paloika, one of the activists, took pictures of the action. All of a sudden he was grabbed by 2 police officers who dragged him aside, beat him and later took to a police station. They kept the guy the whole night there. In the morning he was allowed to go home. The policemen draw up report claiming that the activist had used foul language and started a fight with policemen. They claim that was the reason for the fine of 155 thousand Belarusian rubles. The police seized his camera and some personal belongings. The things have not been yet returned to the owner. Human rights defender Siarhei Housha helped the activist to file a complaint to the Prosecutor’s office.

Let us remind the readers that Zmitser Paloika had already been arrested in Baranavichy during the presidential election and during the attack on the tent camp on Minsk October Square.