Viachaslau Kasinerau on Detention Of Anarchists: This Is Law-Enforcers’ Set Piece

The fates of Dzmitry Paliyenka and Yauhen Chulitsky depend on us.

On January 21, several activists of the anarchist movement were detained in Minsk. Dzmitry Paliyenka and Yauhen Chulitsky are known to be among the detainees. Charter97.org found out the details of the case from social activist Viachaslau Kasinerau:

- At the moment it is known that they are in the temporary detention facility. This is a criminal case under Article 341 (desecration of structures and damage to property). We learned about this from Yauhen Chulitsky“s mother, whose house was searched. She told us that the search took place after the appearance of the graffiti with the inscription: “Cops ...” and something else further on.

After we reviewed the activity of anarchists lately, we learned that it was the “Cops kill people” graffiti, dedicated to opposing police repression and the use of force by security officials.

The video shows that graffiti was painted by people in masks, but for some reason Dzmitry Paliyenka and Yauhen Chulitsky were detained. Until Thursday, activists will be in the temporary detention facility, and then it will become known what measure of restraint will be applied to them, or they will be released. Article 341 of the Criminal Code provides for either a huge fine or arrest for up to three months.

- Is pressure on activists seen in the actions of the security forces?

- Of course. What is happening now is pressure. Dzmitry very competently figured out what was going on in his case. He registered as a craftsman with the tax inspectorate, and all the, I would say, inadequate measures taken by the police, when he was obliged to attend lectures at the police department every day, were suspended.

But then there was a set piece with graffiti. The criminal case was initiated after Dzmitry had become more engaged in social activities. It can be seen that the anarchist movements in Belarus have also become more active. Support for political prisoners, anti-fascists Vadzim Boyka and Illia Valavik has intensified. Most recently, a rather significant action for Belarus was held - the Day of Remembrance of Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Baburova, killed by neo-Nazis ten years ago.

It is obvious that the activity of the anarchist movement members angered the security forces and they decided to apply pressure. We expect repression to continue. Everything will depend on our reaction and the reaction of society. Whether the repression will stop, whether Dzmitry Paliyenka and Yauhen Chulitsky will be released, or whether the pressure will continue.