Baranavichy: preventive detention of youth activist

Youth activist Artsiom Babei was detained in Baranavichy on 3 July, the official Independence Day.

“They were watching me since morning, but detained me near the park in Kamsamolskaya Street, when I was passing the police tourniquet. The policemen said I reminded of a criminal and took me to the police station in Kamsamolskaya Street,” said Artsiom Babei.

Police major Kulhavik, who had warned the activist about the inadmissibility of participation in silent protest actions a year ago, joined the search of the youngster and his belongings. The activist was released in an hour without receiving any charges.

Artsiom thinks that the police detained him because they thought that he could hang out some banner on the state holiday.