Banner “Freedom for political prisoners” in Vitebsk centre

The banner appeared on the bridge over Leninhradskaya Street in the centre of Vitebsk.

Charter97.org learnt it from a reader. According to him, the banner was hung out by activists of the organising committee to create Belarusian Christian Democracy party.

Repression against opposition politicians and civil activists continues in Belarus.

Political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich was tried in correctional facility No.17 on May 4. He was sentenced to stricter confinement conditions for the rest of his term (1 year, 7 months and 15 days). The politician was transferred to prison No.4 in Mahilou on May 6.

A new criminal case was opened against activist Yury Rubtsou from Homel, who is now in a temporary detention facility in Baranavichy, for evasion of serving a term of punishment (article 415 of the Criminal Code).