Persecution Of Opposition Activists Intensified :: Charter'97 :: News

The leader of Social Democrats Mikola Statkevich was called to the Tsentralny police department of Minsk. He was told that this time the case is relating the events on March 1. On that day about 3,000 vendors gathered on October square protesting against a new VAT system. The head of the public association “Perspektyva” Anatol Shumchanka and the chairwoman of Minsk branch of the United Civil Party Maryna Bahdanovich.

Why Mikola Statkevich was called today, on April 7, when more than a month has passed after the protest rally? According unofficial sources, a criminal action has been initiated for organizing rally on March 1, which included not only unsanctioned meeting, but an unsanctioned march to the administration of Aliaksandr Lukashenka, which was stopped and disbanded by SWAT. Except Mikola Statkevich, all speakers at the meeting are to be interrogated by police.

The leader of Social Democrats does not exclude that a report would be drawn up against him on charges relating organizing an oppositional meeting, and he would be taken to court. In this case there would be one more political prisoner in the special detention center. Mikola Statkevich believes that as there were lots of street rallies in the recent months, by these measures the authorities are trying to stop this wave.