Vitsebsk: detention of Barys Khamaida ahead of Lukashenka's visit
Independent newspapers distributor Barys Khamaida
has been detained in Vitebsk.
Khamaida packed his belongings in the street – he distributes independent press
in the city center every day, Nasha Niva newspaper wrote.
The chief of the Chyhunachny district police department and two lieutenant
colonels came to detain Khamaida. Khamaida, who is able to answer telephone
calls at the moment, said the policemen were polite, but he did not rule out he
might be tried and taken into custody.
The opposition says a possible reason for his arrest is Aliaksandr Lukashenka,
who is expected to visit Slavonic Bazaar festival tomorrow. There were cases in
previous years when Khamaida was taken into custody ahead of Lukashenka's
visits.
However, soon after the detention Barys Khamaida was released. The police
advised him to sit at home during “Slavonic Bazaar”.
