Police Detains Participants of Solidarity Action in Vitebsk

On November 16 at 6 p.m.Vitebsk young people gathered near the monument to Uladzimir Karatkevich. They lit candles and were going to sing the “Mighty God” anthem, when several policemen approached them.

In the beginning the policemen asked what was happening and left. However, soon police of Kastrychnitski department appeared. The group of police officers was led by head of law and order department Aliaksei Shakhovich, reports RFE/RL.

The police officers checked IDs of the activists and noted down their personal data. Local human rights activist Leanid Svetsik, Radio Racyja reporter Vadzim Barshcheuski and head of local BPF party Kastus Smolikau were detained because they didn’t have passports on them.

They gave explanations in Kastrychnitski police department. The police officers processed their data through a computer system. Later the policemen brought one more detainee – youth activist Stsiapan Kudzinau.

The police officers did not draw any reports. However, they accused Svetsik, Barshcheuski, and Smolikau of encouraging youth to violate the public order.