Yuhnevich taken second time – for «Free Theatre»

Democratic activist Paval Yuhnevich was not released today from the remand jail in Akrestin Street, where he had served 10 days of arrest for the preparation of the European March. From the remand jail he was guarded to Central District court of Minsk. For his presence on the “Free Theatre” performance a report was drawn up against him for allegedly “using obscene language”.

8.30 p.m. 22 August the militia special regiment (former OMON) rushed into a private house on Bangalor Square in Minsk where the “Free Theatre” staged fist night performance of Edward Bond’s play”11 Shirts’’. More than 50 spectators were detained including Nikolai Khalezin and his wife Hatallia Kaliada, theatre actors, French director Christian Benedetti, French studio theatre “Artoville” management and two teachers of the Dutch higher theatrical school. Five hours later the actors and spectators were released. The report was drawn up only against youth activist Paval Yuhnevich.

It should be reminded that today Paval Yuhnevich was to be released after 7 days of arrest. Paval Yuhnevich was detained 11 October in Minsk city district Suharevo together with another youth activist Mikita Sasim. The people in civvies came to the activists showed their militia certificates and said the youth activists were allegedly suspected in committing a criminal offence. What was the “offence” the militiamen didn’t say. When detaining Mikita Sasim was even handcuffed.