18:40 Anatol Shumchanka detained

After the protest rally of market vendors near Minsk hotel the leader of the public association “Perspektiva” Anatol Shumchanka was detained. As the entrepreneur told to the Charter’97 press-center, he is in the police department of Maskouski district at the moment. Charges haven’t been presented to him.

17:33 About 20 demonstrants detained in Minsk

About 20 people were detained after the action of entrepreneurs in Minsk. All detained people are kept in the internal affairs departments of Central and Maskouski districts.

17:02 Entrepreneurs are fed up! (Photo report)

Rallies of market vendors were held on January 10 in the center of Minsk. They protested against discriminatory decree No. 760 which came into force on January 1, 2008. The decree prohibits entrepreneurs to hire workers except their close relatives.

16:50 Belarusians blocked Independence Avenue (Video)

Actions of protests of entrepreneurs were held today in Minsk. People, whose business is being ruined by Lukashenka’s decrees, were protesting in the city center for some hours.

15:57 Vyachaslau Siuchyk arrested for 10 days

The court of Tsentralny district of Minsk has sentenced a public activist Vyachaslau Siuchyk to 10 days of arrest.

10:57 Charter’97 website blocked for Belarusian viewers

Today morning popular independent internet-sources, including Charter’97 web page, have become unavailable for viewers from Belarus.

9:03 Organiser of putsch in Georgia hiding in Minsk

Georgian media reported that deputy of the Georgian parliament Valery Gelbahiani, accusing by the authorities of an attempt coup, may be hiding in Minsk, where he has been seen recently.

8:56 Minsk Journalist arrested for Muhammad cartoons

Minsk city court has resumed proceedings in the case of former deputy editor-in-chief of “Zhoda” newspaper Alyaksandr Zdzvizhkou. He is charged with inciting religious enmity. A former “Zhoda” editor-in-chief Alyaksei Karol received information from the city court that Zdzvizhkou is under arrest.