Baranavichy activists tried for attempt to mark Day of Europe in Minsk

• 3.05.2008, 10:23

Yaraslau Hryshchenya, leader of the Baranavichy Young Front, activist Artsyom Lastavetski and Ales Pershak, detained ahead of Day of Europe, had administrative trials in Baranavichy on 2 May.

On 1 May, about 10 Young Front activists were going to Minsk by electric train to mark the Day of Europe. Suddenly 2 militiamen and 7 men in civvies entered the railway car. They detained the young people for identity check. Yaraslau Hryshchenya and Artsyom Lastavitski were beaten during the detention. After 6 hours all minor activists were set free, while Yaraslau, Artsyom and Ales were accused of using foul language and left in the detention faciliity till the trial, the Young Front press service informs.

Finally the young people were fined. Yaraslau Hryshchenya got a fine of 5 basic units, Artsyom Lastavetski and Ales Pershak – 3 basic units each. Yaraslau also had a personal conversation, during which he was threatened criminal responsibility for his political activity and advised to leave Baranavichy “to be on the safe side.”

It should be added that out some days ago Artsuom Lastavetski was fired for participation in action of solidarity on 16 April.