Artists, detained in Smarhon, go on hunger strike

Artists from Pahonya community stand trials in the town of Smarhon.

Henadz Drazdou was tried first, Radio Svaboda reports.

He demanded a lawyer and the trial was postponed until September 11.

Drazdou is a member of Pahonya community. He was arrested by police yesterday for holding an alleged unsanctioned public event on occasion of the birthday of Rastislau Lapitski, a leader of the anti-communist underground after the World War II.

Henadz Drazdou heard the police report against him during the trial today. According to Drazdou, he is accused of holding an unsanctioned picket.

Drazdou says all detained artists went on hunger strike protesting against the illegal arrest.

Among the detained people are artists from Pahonya community Henadz Drazdou, Ales Tsyrkunou, Ales Pushkin, local artist Valyantin Varanishcha and activist Uladzimir Shulzhytski.

Police detained the artists as they were walking through town carrying portraits of Lapitski.

Drazdou says the rest detainees are expected to be tried today in the Smarhon district court.