Assault team tries to burst into opposition activist's home

The police has sent an assault team to bring musician Ihar Simbirou for a “conversation”.

He said to charter97.org:

“They didn't explain anything as usual. I was tired yesterday evening and answered a phone call from an unknown number. A police officer said he would wait for me for a conversation at 14:00 and gave to understand a police squad would be waiting for me outside my home,” the activist said.

He is sure it is done intentionally to prevent him from participation in the Chernobyl Way rally.

“Another officer phone me this morning. A district police officer and an assault group arrived to take me to the police station. I said I would go there without them. The police officer phoned his boss and asked what he should do. He received an order not to touch me. I am going to the police station right now,” Ihar Simbirou said.

The Chernobyl way rally is held today in the Belarusian capital. The rally is permitted by the city authorities. Participants will gather in front of the Oktyabr cinema at 18:30.

It is a usual practice of the Belarusian police and security services to detain activists ahead of big rallies organised by the opposition.