Criminal case threatens for “red line” on road sign in Salihorsk

Salihorsk police plans to open a criminal case for “defilement” of 15-metre road sign at the vehicular entrance to the capital of miners.

It was a symbolic action of “Partisan” art-group timed to the date of Vorsha Battle (Orsha Battle). The local human rights activist Leanid Markhotka received information that the criminal case is being prepared from the head of the security police and prevention department Ryhor Kryvaltsevich, who is responsible for dealing with opposition in Salihorsk police department. At the moment prosecutor's investigation is carried out, and materials are being collected, “Viasna” human rights centre informs.

- This sign is not a cultural heritage protected by the state. Judging by the picture on the web, the red line didn’t contain any cynical words or pictures. So it is not completely clear what is called “desecration” or vandalism, - the human rights activist said. – To my remark about that Kryvaltsevich openly said that there had been an order from higher authorities to open a criminal case. As a result, soon we will have an absurd criminal case “for the red line.”

Earlier Kryvaltsevich’s assistant, Major Yauhen Zhylinski state that the red line is not a criminal offence. As said by him, the sign had not been spoiled, as the red line had not been painted, but decorate by red wallpaper.

However, this case has already become the pretext for persecution of prominent youth activists of the city. In thre framework of the investigation of the case Young Front members Andrei Tychina and Ivan Shyla were interrogated, and a search was held at the place of “European Belarus” activist Uladzimir Lemesh. Oppositional symbols and literature were seized during the search.