9 April 2008
Young opposition activist Alyaksey Yanushewski sentenced to $50 fine for demonstrating in support of Katsyaryna Salawyova

A judge of the Polatsk City Court on April 9 sentenced young opposition activist Alyaksey Yanushewski to a fine of 105,000 rubels ($50).

He was found guilty of acting in violation of regulations governing demonstrations under Article 23.34 of the Administrative Offenses Code.

Mr. Yanushewski was arrested by police when he and about a dozen other youths were demonstrating in front of the Polatsk City Court in support of their associate, Katsyaryna (Kasya) Salawyova, who was standing trial on a charge of acting on behalf of an unregistered organization. The young people were chanting, “Kasya, we are with you!” “We believe, we can, we’ll win!” and “Power to the people, freedom to the young!” When police attempted to abort the demonstration, the young people sat down on the ground, linking arms with each other. Policemen eventually arrested only one demonstrator, Mr. Yanushewski.

Another young opposition activist, Lyudmila Atakulava, was arrested by police when she was leaving Polatsk in a car. She was charged with an unsanctioned demonstration under Article 23.34 of the Administrative Offenses Code. She spent the night in a detention center and was expected to stand trial in the Polatsk City Court on Wednesday.