Opposition activists arrested in regions

An activist of the Belarusian Christian Democracy party, Uladzimir Kapelkin, was detained on his way from Polatsk. He will mark his 18th birthday soon.

The traffic police stopped the bus just outside Polatsk and a man in civilian clothes detained the activist. Another BCD activist continued his trip to Minsk.

Uladzimir Kapelkin was taken to a police station, the BCD press service reports. The official reason for the detention is that “the minor travelled without his parents”, the BCD press service informs. He was set free three hours later. No police reports were drawn up. The activist didn't attend the Freedom Day rally.

According to Viasna human rights centre, regional activists were invited for “conversations” by the police ahead of Freedom Day. Syarhei Trafimchyk, an activist from Byarozauka and a regional coordinator of the For Freedom movement, received a phone call from the chief of the Lida police department on March 22, who asked to come for a talk. The police chief was out of office on March 23, so the activist had to visit the police department on March 24. The summons to him didn't point his status and in connection with what case he was summoned. Syarhei Trafimchyk reported about violations the police's book of complaints.

Police officers yesterday visited Ivan Byadko, the head of the BCD branch in Slonim.  Deputy chief of the Slonim police department Major Vadzim Shchurski was among the policemen.  

The major warned Ivan Byadko against “taking part in gatherings in Slonim today”. Ivan Byadko answered he would not participate in gatherings on that day. “But I am going to celebrate Freedom Day tomorrow,” the activist said to the policemen.

It should be reminded that most events to mark the 95th anniversary of the Belarusian People's Republic were banned in regions.