Siarhei Shtoda: Akrestsina prepares cells for hauliers

The authorities did not exclude a rally next to the House of Government.

Haulier Siarhei Shtoda released yesterday after serving administrative arrest held a press conference in Minsk on February 19. It should be reminded that Shtoda on behalf of hauliers demanded partial amnesty on fines in the BelToll system. According to them, they got huge fines - tens of thousands of euros. In the center of Minsk, near the House of Government, hauliers were going to type their address to Aliaksandr Lukashenka. But on his way to a scheduled meeting with the first Deputy Prime Minister Vasil Matsiusheuski he turned to be behind bars. The businessman was detained and accused of swearing, and sentenced to 15-day arrest. Haulers' rally did not take place, Euroradio reports.

Shtoda said that when he came to the meeting, he was told that the official "immediately flew to Moscow". Thus, the meeting did not take place. The haulier left the building and walked towards the railway station. After 100 meters, he was detained by riot policemen.

Shtoda was brought to the police department of the Central district, and then - to the court. Then he was charged with "swearing in a public place". A judge could not start the trial for a long time. Siarhei Shtoda was told "the KGB ordered to detain him". In such a situation, he decided to plead guilty, hoping to get just fine. However, he was sentenced to 15-day of administrative arrest.

According Shtoda, the rally failed, because he should call everyone and give the signal. Since he was detained, he could not call, and the rally failed. Now the haulier believes that it was for good, because Akhrestsina had two floors prepared for the detainees. "There could be put 500 people", Siarhei Shtoda says.

He did not voice his plans for future. But he said he would be more cautious. Also he noted that he "has nothing to lose", his company's account is arrested. As you know, they want to fine €10 thousand.