Freedom Day celebrations marred by excessive police interference

26.03.2019 Tags: freedom of peaceful assembly, detention

https://spring96.org/en/news/92438 2019 2019-03-26T11:48:58+0300 2019-03-26T11:48:58+0300 2019-03-26T15:20:44+0300 en https://spring96.org/files/images/sources/zatrymanne_25.03.19_2.jpg The Human Rights Center “Viasna” The Human Rights Center “Viasna” The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

Musicians Pavel Arakelian (center) and Ihar Varashkevich (right) taken away in a police bus after detention. March 25, 2019. Photo: tut.by

At least 15 people were detained last evening in central Minsk while trying to join an unauthorized assembly to celebrate the 101st anniversary of the Belarusian People’s Republic.

Others were prevented from gathering and ordered to disperse.

: Police vehicles in Kastryčnickaja Square. March 25, 2019. Photo: Pavel Padkarytau

The detainees included opposition politicians Mikalai Kazlou and Vital Rymasheuski, as well as known musicians Liavon Volski, Zmitser Vaitsiushkevich, Pavel Arakelian, and Ihar Varashkevich. The performers were held as they attempted to stage an impromptu street concert.

Most of them were later released without charges.

Two more opposition activists are still in detention after an authorized assembly held in Minsk on Sunday.