Investigators extend pre-trial detention of another person charged in ‘rioting and armed group case’

The period of pre-trial detention of Viktar Maroz, former member of the White Legion organization, has been extended until late September, svaboda.org said, quoting the prisoner’s postcard.

“Hopefully, I'll breathe frosty air, because my detention has been extended until the end of September. The same is with the other guys. Follow the events, it will be interesting, I promise you. Long live Belarus!” said Maroz in his message.

Viktar Maroz is held in the Interior Ministry’s detention center in Minsk.

He is charged with ‘preparing riots’ (Part 3, Art. 293) and ‘creating an illegal armed group’ (Art. 287 of the Criminal Code).

Similar charges have been brought against 15 more persons. All of them are currently in custody.

Earlier, the authorities extended the detention of four more persons arrested in the case.

Since March 21, when the first arrests were made, the investigating authorities have not made any official statements on the case. Meanwhile, human rights activists wrote to the Prosecutor General asking to investigate reports of torture against the detainees, including alleged violence used to force them provide evidence.