Opposition marks independence day in Vicebsk
The local branch of the Belarusian Popular Front in Vicebsk on Friday staged events to celebrate the Independence Declaration anniversary. Ballad singers were singing at one of the the city's central squares, with Belarus's history quizzes and Belarus quisine competition taking place nearby, reports our coorespondent Jadviga Stashewskaja.
Passers-by could try draniki (potato pancakes), potato cakes and other national specialities. Towards the end of the celebrations, participants served a prayer for Belarus. Uniformed and plainclothes police officers were around to monitor the event.
Zmicier Kurgan, the commander of the regional riot police unit, was present in person during the event. Police would not intefere with the celebrations. They only reminded the participants that litter should be removed from the square after the action.
During the action, activists launched ballons and a white-red-white flag.
This was described by police as "hooliganizm". Uladzimir Tokaraw, the chairman of the local branch of the Belarusian Popular Front, was detained but released several hours later. He is now expecting to be summoned to a local court.
Passers-by could try draniki (potato pancakes), potato cakes and other national specialities. Towards the end of the celebrations, participants served a prayer for Belarus. Uniformed and plainclothes police officers were around to monitor the event.
Zmicier Kurgan, the commander of the regional riot police unit, was present in person during the event. Police would not intefere with the celebrations. They only reminded the participants that litter should be removed from the square after the action.
During the action, activists launched ballons and a white-red-white flag.
This was described by police as "hooliganizm". Uladzimir Tokaraw, the chairman of the local branch of the Belarusian Popular Front, was detained but released several hours later. He is now expecting to be summoned to a local court.
