Activists Detained Minks Released :: Charter'97 :: News

All activists of the “Belarusian Students Association” (BSA) detained on February 10 were released from a police department on the same day after giving explanations. The BelaPAN has been informed about that by one of the BSA representatives. As said by him, each of the activists had given written explanations. All detainees were fingerprinted and videotaped. However, no reports have been drawn up and no charges presented. The last group of the detainees was released at about 11 p.m.

As we have informed, about 30 activists of the public association liquidated in 2001 by a decision of the Supreme Court of Belarus gathered in a private cottage in the suburbs of Minsk to discuss preparation for the congress of the BSA. The cottage had been rented. At 4.30 p.m. policemen and KGB officers burst into the house. They explained their actions by reports it was a house of ill flame where illicit drugs and hard drinks are stored. After a search young activists were taken to one of the police departments of Minsk.

It is worth mentioning that a week ago, on February 4, 27 activists of an unregistered organization “Young Front” were detained in a private apartment in Minsk. They have met for a session of the organization’s central council. Two of them, Zmitser Fedaruk and Aleh Korban, spent three days in the remand prison of the KGB. A criminal action was brought up against them on charges relating Article 193 part 1 of the Criminal Code (activities on behalf of an unregistered organization). this article envisages a fine or arrest for a term of up to six months, or restriction of freedom for up to two years.