Police in Bereza threatens oppositionist for flag

A human rights activist Tamara Shchapetkina from Bereza hanged out a national white-red-white flag from her balcony on the occasion of the Freedom Day.

She did not have to wait long for a reaction on the part of police, the human rights center Viasna reports.

Tamara Shchapetkina was surprised with an early door bell ringing. The woman thought those were neighbors since all the others first use the entrance door intercom.

A young man in mufti stood behind the door. He introduced himself as the district policeman Siarhei Nesciarovich, although he did not show any certificate. He refused to enter the apartment and asked Tamara Shchapetkina what was hanging out of her window.

- Do not you know what that is? - Tamara Shchapetkina asked in surprise.

- No, - the district policeman said.

- The Belarusian historic flag, - the woman explained.

- But we have a red-green one, - Siarhei Nesciarovich continued irresolutely.

- This is the state one.

- I came because citizens complained that what hang out of your window insults them.

- And do not three letter words on buildings, which please their eyes for years, insult them? - Tamara Shchapetkina asked in indignation.

- No, they are used to them, - the policeman answered simply.

- Show me the applications of those citizens.

- They are standing in the street. You will receive a subpoena, you will come to the police station, - the district policeman warned.

- Why are you making me take down our historic flag?

- I am not making you do this. And when you receive a subpoena to come to the police station,  you will know why. I am no longer holding you, - the district policeman Siarhei Nesciarovich said running down the stairs.

Four companions in mufti were waiting for him downstairs.

We would remind that yesterday Belarusians celebrated the Freedom Day – the 95th anniversary of the proclamation of Belarusian People Republic’s independence.