Belarusian KGB Summons Three Swedish Activists Over Teddy Bear Stunt

Teddy bears with pro-democracy messages were parachuted into the outskirts of Minsk from a light aircraft chartered by a Swedish public relations firm on July 4.

A Swedish organization that dropped hundreds of teddy bears carrying democratic slogans over Belarus last month says that three of its members have been summoned to appear before Belarus's KGB secret service.

A statement on the KGB's website said the trio must appear within 10 days for questioning or face a fine, up to two years of labor, or up to six months in prison.

The stunt, during which Swedish activists illegally entered Belarus by plane, sparked a diplomatic row with Stockholm.

Belarus last week expelled Sweden's ambassador for being "too supportive of human rights."

On August 10, EU officials in Brussels hinted that more sanctions could soon be imposed on Minsk.

Based on reporting by AFP, Interfax, and ITAR-TASS