Mauchnau detained for three days after 10-day custody

Former political prisoner Alyaksandr Mauchanau has been detained for three days after ten days in custody. He is a suspect in a criminal case.

Mauchanau and his friend Andrei Mikalayeuski are accused of desecrating state symbols. The young men have been prosecuted by police since state flags in the centre of Barysau were found covered with paint on October 26.

On October 27, the court of the Barysau district found Mauchanau guilty in “disobedience to lawful requirements of a representative of the authorities”.

The term in custody expired on November 6, but the political prisoner remains in the detention centre in Barysau.

Alyaksandr Mauchanau’s flat was searched several times, national symbols and a computer were seized, Viasna human rights centre reports.

Alyaksandr Mauchanau was sentenced to three years in a medium security penal colony for the events on December 19, 2010. He was serving his term in Mahilou. On September 14, he was pardoned on Lukashenka’s decree.