Citizen of Russia deported from Belarus after 15 days’ arrest

Vladimir Novikov who had been detained during Chernobyl Way protest rally, has been banned entry to Belarus for 10 years.

Today the activist was released after 15 days of administrative arrest for participation in Chernobyl Way rally on April 26. Mikalao Kolas was another person released from the prison in Akrestsin Street together with Vladimir Novikov.

The citizen of Russia was met by his grandfather who lives in Minsk, and by public activists. Vladimir Novikov managed to cry out of the car that he was taken to the railway station. Activists told to charter97.org website that he had been taken away by the service of citizenship and migration. Now the citizen of Russia is prohibited entry to Belarus for 10 years.

In Belarus there are 9 political prisoners sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, including the former presidential candidates Mikalai Statkevich and Vice President of the International Federation of Human Rights Ales Bialiatski. Besides, over the last two weeks policemen detained more than 30 activists of opposition. Human rights activists link the arrests with the Ice Hockey World Championship held in Minsk.