Malady Front activist denied registration for local elections

Andrus Tsyaniuta, an activist with the Malady Front youth opposition group who currently serves in the army in Vitsebsk, was not allowed by his commanders to register as a candidate for the upcoming local elections. Andrus is set to lodge a complain with the office of the military prosecutor, reports Malady Front. Tsyaniuta filed a report requesting a leave in order to register as a candidate for the local council. Under the electoral law, the administration of a military unit must create favorable conditions for the registration of candidates and should not prevent them. However, the commanders of this unit advised Tsyaniuta to file his application through anyone else.

On February 18, Tsyaniuta spent the whole day in training sessions, while his mobile phone was removed. The Malady Front activist is set to appeal the actions of the unit commanding officer which might lead to criminal charges.