Hrodna human rights activists may face fine or jail sentence

Human rights activists Viktar Sazonau and Uladzimir Khilmanovich were summoned to the Leninski district police department on December 18.

The police wanted the human rights activists to give explanations regarding their participation in the picket to mark the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, Viasna human rights centre reports.

Viktar Sazonau said on the phone police officers drew up interrogation reports.

As it was found out later, the police started administrative proceedings against rights activists Viktar Sazonau, Raman Yurhel and Uladzimir Khilmanovich. The reason was posting photos made on December 10 on Viasna website. Three human rights defenders from Hrodna took a photo to show their solidarity with jailed Ales Byalyatski. They also handed out brochures with the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On December 18, police officer Pavel Lapata, the deputy head of “Centre” police department, drew up reports of questioning of Viktar Sazonau and Uladzimir Khilmanovich.

Raman Yurhel was out of town. He will be summoned to the police in the nearest days. Consequences of the administrative proceedings will be known later.