Babruisk KGB threatens election public activist
Public activist Halina Smirnova was
summoned to the local branch of the KGB. The conversation with officer of
special services Pavel Silkou lasted
about two and a half hours.
"It was about the last year’s silent protests, the People’s gathering and
hanging of white-red-white flags in Babruisk. The KGB officer also recalled the
lighting of candles on Dziady, to which I replied that, for me, this is a
special day, I honor the memory of the repressed family, and so I go there and
light these candles. Pavel Silkou warned that all my actions can lead me to
criminal responsibility", - said Halina Smirnova.
To questions about her personal or family life, Bobruisk activist refused to answer. But she
noted that the KGB officer talked to her quite civilized, with no threats.
"Of course, we were talking about the elections. I said that I will
participate in observation. But one can say that most of the time we spent
talking about my participation in rallies. Pavel Silkou gave me a paper to
acquaint with, the meaning of which was to warn me about responsibility under
the Article 342 of the Criminal Code - "organization and preparation
activities that breach public order or active participation in them. Punishment
under this article - up to three years in prison", - says Halina Smirnova.
