Youth leader charged over last October street protests 11:37, 24/03/2005
Police charged Pavel Severinets, an opposition youth leader in Minsk, with organizing “public disorder” over last October`s street protests that were sparked by internationally criticized parliamentary elections and referendum.
The Minsk city police department brought the charge on Tuesday evening, the activist said in an interview with BelaPAN.
The city police charged social democratic politician Nikolai Statkevich with the same offense on the same day.
If found guilty, the opposition activists would face up to three years in prison.
“I think the trial will be over within a month or two,” Mr. Severinets said and added that the case against him was politically motivated.
“The authorities fear of street democracy and a velvet revolution. They are trying to neutralize potential organizers of street protests.”
Mr. Severinets signed a pledge not to travel abroad and to report on summons.
The October 18 and 19 protests in Minsk ended in arrests and jail sentences. Both politicians served jail sentences last year after being found guilty of organizing the October 19 protest.
Dear Colleagues. Remember, please, you are expected to refer to the Charter`97 Press Center when using the site materials. News export , javascript-informer
, javascript-informer
