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Opposition youth’s home searched ahead of Chernobyl anniversary march

Law enforcement officers conducted a search at the home of a member of an opposition youth group called Malady Front in Minsk on April 23.

Kasya Halitskaya was returning home after walking her dog when men in plain clothes stopped her at the entrance to the apartment building.

The men, who refused to identify themselves and speak about the purpose of the raid, followed the young woman into her apartment and searched the house. Having found no suspicious items, the men started asking Ms. Halitskaya questions about the activity of Malady Front and the group’s plans for April 26, according to the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Ms. Halitskaya linked the search to a traditional march called “Charnobylski Shlyakh” that opposition forces plan to stage on April 26, the 26th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

“Visiting the homes of [opposition] activists ahead of major demonstrations is law enforcement agencies’ routine practice,” she was quoted as saying.

“Although the demonstration has been permitted, they are taking measures to ensure that as few people as possible turn out for the event,” the woman said. //BelaPAN