Former political prisoners taken under tight control

Policeman Vitaly Plyashko from a police department in Baranavichy phoned former political prisoner Dzmitry Novok to call him for a conversation.

The civil activist was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison in early 2011 for taking part in protests in Minsk on December 19, 2010, but was released on September 14.

A police officer explained to the activist how he should behave in accordance to the law and public order. Plyashko asked about Novik's job and asked to show the necessary documents. He also asked if the activist had contacts with former political prisoners Illya Vasilevich and Fyodar Mirzayanau.

“A district police officer visited me at the end of the year and asked how I was. Now I was called to police again to sign a paper saying I will not violate Belarusian laws,” Novik told Viasna human rights centre.