Opposition activists tried for 'cursing' and flowers near Kolas Monument in Minsk
Minsk's Savetski District Court on Wedensday began the trial of Razam (Together) movement leader Vyachaslau Siuchyk and opposition activists Mikalai Dzemidzenka, Andrei Kim and Katsyaryna Davydzik. They were detained in the evening of July 27 when they tried to lay flowers to the monuments of Yakib Kilas, Yanka Kupala and Maksim Bahdanovich to mark 20 years since Belarus declared its independence from the Soviet Union.
Alyaksei Shein, a co-chairman of the committee to organize the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party, told Euroradio the detainees were charged with petty hooliganizm.
Shein: "They are accused of petty hooliganizm. Allegedly, they were cursing when laying flowers to Yakub Kolas monument. It would be ridiculous, if it were not sad".
Shein said the detainees got harsh treatment.
In the view of Shein, the fact that the cultural action was ruthlessly disrupted proves that the authorities have begun preparations for the presidential election campaign.
Alyaksei Shein, a co-chairman of the committee to organize the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party, told Euroradio the detainees were charged with petty hooliganizm.
Shein: "They are accused of petty hooliganizm. Allegedly, they were cursing when laying flowers to Yakub Kolas monument. It would be ridiculous, if it were not sad".
Shein said the detainees got harsh treatment.
In the view of Shein, the fact that the cultural action was ruthlessly disrupted proves that the authorities have begun preparations for the presidential election campaign.
