Baranavichy Activist Mikalai Charnavus Jr. Jailed For 15 Days

Human rights activists report that a criminal case has been brought against him.

Yesterday, on February 7, local activist Mikalai Charnavus Jr. stood trial in Baranavichy. He was accused of "distribution of extremist materials" under Article 19.11 of the Administrative Code. Judge Artsiom Padalianets found Mikalai guilty and sentenced him to 15 days in jail, reports Viasna.

According to preliminary information, a criminal case under Article 368 of the Criminal Code ("insulting Lukashenka") was filed against Charnavus Jr.

We remind that Mikalai was detained in Baranavichy on February 2; his house was searched. According to the neighbours, at 6 a.m. about 10 law enforcers in bulletproof jackets and with guns surrounded his private house, then climbed over the fence and banged loudly on the windows, demanding to open the door. After the search, Mikalai was taken out in handcuffs with his hands behind his back.