Oppositionists arrested for protest on central square of Brest (Photo)

• 2.12.2008, 16:15

A picket of opposition representatives on a central square of Brest was stopped by militia today. Three participants of the picket were guarded to the Leninski district militia department. According to a report, they may be fined or arrested.

Brest dweller Zhanna Abramava protested against her eviction from an apartment on the central square of the city opposite the building of the region executive committee. Public activists Yurka Bakur and Ivan Stasyuk took part in the picket.

About 12 militiamen arrived to the place of picketing and ordered to remove camp cots and leave the square.

Human rights activist Yuras Zhydovich told to Radio Svaboda that Zhanna Abramava, Yurka Bakur, and Ivan Stasyuk were guarded to the Leninski militia department of Brest.

“The militiamen seem to be filling in time by speaking with their commandment about a possible measure of punishment,” Yury Zhydovich told.

Zhanna Abramava, opposition activist of Brest, was detained two times in April on suspicion of committing of a criminal offence (all these cases were closed). Zhanna Abramava had to spend 61 hours in the militia station for the first time, and 72 hours – for the second time.

In accordance with a decision of the Maskouski district court of Brest, Zhanna Abramava was evicted from apartment but wasn’t offered another premise to live. The court agreed with housing utility service that Zhanna was registered in a state-owned flat according to a sublease contract. As a lessee, her grandmother, died in 2005, the sublease contract is automatically withdrawn.

According to human rights activist Yury Zhydovich, in fact, not only Zhanna, but also her mother and two sisters, namely adult Inha and 16-year old Maryana, were evicted.

The family is contesting legality of the decision on forceful eviction in court of highest resort.