Candidate detained at election picket in Khotsimsk

The police of Khotsimsk (Mahiliou region) have detained today candidate Valery Karankevich during an election picket staged in an authorized place.

According to the candidate who is running for Parliament in constituency No. 83 at about 12.30 the police appeared and ordered to stop picketing. Valery Karankevich himself was detained and taken to local police department. After providing explanations, the candidate was released.

“In a private conversation, the policemen told me the detention had been ordered by chief manager of Khotsimsk district executive committee Vasil Mitrankou and acting district prosecutor Iryna Khucheyeva,” says the candidate.

According to Valery Karankevich, his rival – deputy chairman of Mahiliou regional executive committee Uladzimir Krautsou – has received most favorable conditions for election campaigning. In particular, the pro-government candidate has had a number of meetings with state employees during working hours. People were forced to attend the meetings, and the candidate was escorted by Khotsimsk officials, says Valery Karankevich.

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”