Celebrations Of Kupala Have Been Banned Near Vitebsk
5- 12.07.2026, 11:38
- 4,418
Facing arrest.
In a village near Vitebsk, residents were threatened with fines and arrests for attempting to gather for Kupala. A photo of the announcement was published by “Viasna”.
According to human rights activists, a notice appeared on a bulletin board in the village of Lyatokhi in the Vitebsk region stating that the celebration was canceled due to a ban by the police (the district police department).
The notice states that holding the event carries a fine of 100 base units (4,500 rubles) and 15 days of administrative detention.
“Any participant may be arrested. We apologize. P.S. Celebrate at home,” the notice reads.
As “Viasna” notes, many people in this area have summer cottages; they have been friends for decades and organize joint celebrations.
