Oppositionists are searched on the border of Belarus

Belarusian cross border points renew enhanced search of social and political activists.

Viasna Human Rights Center reports that at night January 16 the vehicle of Viktar Sazonau, Hrodna's civil right activist, drew an increased attention to of the State Border and Customs Services at the cross border point "Bruzgi".

Viktar Sazonau with two Hrodna social and political activists was on his way back home from Poland. His car was driven into a hangar for inspection. Personal belongings of Hrodna dwellers were also carefully and repeatedly checked. Officials gave a special attention to documents. In particular, they were much interested in the book, maps and even audio cassettes, which they did not bother to listen.

After that the car was driven to impound storage facility, and keys and passengers' passports were taken away by officials. After telephone consultations the officers drove the car for the x-ray inspection. And only after that the activists had a specially prepared paper to sign and were allowed to leave.

- Nobody explained the reasons for an increased attention, Viktar Sazonau says. - But I think it's connected with not only upcoming elections but with the increasing pressure on socially active people.

In general, Hrodna activists spent more than four hours on the border.