Zmiter Barodka and Leanid Navitski in remand jail in Akrestin Street

As it became known to Charter’97 press center member of the European March organizing committee Zmiter Barodka and democratic activist Leanid Navitski, are situated in the remand jail in Akrestin Street. At the same time the staff of the Central District Internal Affairs Department of Minsk refuses to inform the relatives about the location of the oppositionists. As it became known 2 October in the morning human rights activist Sviatlana Harohavik is situated in the remand jail, too. The activists are supposed to have trial in the Minsk Central Court 2 October.

Zmiter Barodka, member of the European March organizing committee, democratic activist Leanid Navitski, and human rights activist Sviatlana Harohavik were detained 1 October at 5.30 p.m. by military forces staff. The oppositionists managed to inform on telephone the Charter’97 press center that they were being guarded to the Central District Internal Affairs Department of Minsk.

As it was noticed, Leanid Navitski was released from the remand jail in Akrestin Street 1 October. He was arrested by the KGB agents, who confiscated from his flat 100 EU flags and informational materials with the European symbols.

At first the report against Navitski was drawn up under Article 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offences (call for the participation in unsanctioned action). But 25 September the activist was sentenced to 10 days of arrest under Article 17.1 of the CAO (disorderly conduct). Another trial is possible – this time for organizing of the European March.

The authorities are providing their usual policy, arresting the potentially active citizens on the eve of mass actions, groundless accusing them of “disorderly conduct”. They do the same in 2006 before the president elections and this year before Freedom Day.

It should be reminded that Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner declared her protest against arrests of the democratic forces activists. It is clear from the statement that the repressions against opposition make difficult the relations between official Minsk and Europe.