Zmitser Kavalhin: Men in civilian clothes behaved like bandits

A demonstrator, who had a “Freedom to Kolya” poster, plans to file a claim in court over kidnapping and keeping him as a hostage.

Young Democrats leader Zmitser Kavalhin talked to charter97.org about the incident.  

“The reports that I was beaten are slightly exaggerated. I had only a couple of kidney punches and a kick. No blows to the head. I feel normal now,” the activist says.

He added the incident happened close to the office of the United Civil Party on the intersection of Vera Kharuzhaya and Maksim Bahdanovich Streets.

“There were men in civilian clothes on the bus and we got off. A blue minibus appeared. Well-built men got out of there and detained my friend Stanislau Ramanovich and me. I was lying on the floor and the bandits pinned me down by their feet. We were riding around the town waiting for a telephone call. They later received an order to search us. They were looking for a “Freedom to Kolya” poster, but I didn't have it on me. They looked disappointed. They seized three flags and threw us out of the minibus near the Tsentralny district police department. I will try to return my flags, which they stole in fact. I am going to file a claim over kidnapping and keeping me as a hostage,” Zmitser Kavalkin said.

It should be reminded that eight people were detained yesterday at the Freedom Day rally in Minsk.