10 Days of Jail for 96 EU Flags

Judge of Partyzanski court of Minsk Alena Tsitsiankova found Leanid Navistki guilty of disorderly conduct. The pro-democratic activist was sentenced to 10 days of jail.

Leanid Navitski told RFE/RL, on Friday, September 21st, he was visited by KGB officers in his apartment. They refused to introduce themselves, but called for police, who held a search in Navistski’s apartment.

The police found 96 EU flags, baseball caps and T-shirts with EU symbols. As a result, Leanid Navitski was accused of using foul language and preparation of an unauthorized mass action.

Today Leanid Navistki was tried only on the first charge. He does not exclude the situation that when he is released, he will have to appear before court on the second charge.

Today two other youth activists received short jail terms. Alena Hladkaya was sentenced to 7 days of arrest, and Vital Tsikhanovich – to 15 days of arrest for distribution of opposition information materials.