MINSK -- Police in Belarus have detained eight activists, including the leader of the opposition United Civic Party, Anatol Lyabedzka, and two journalists.
The activists were detained at Minsk’s central Kamarouka marketplace on March 16 while campaigning for seats in next week’s local elections.
They were wearing T-shirts bearing the photographs of political prisoners.
Lyabedzka and four other activists spent the night in custody.
The remaining five were released.
All were expected to be tried on March 17.
The exact charges are not known.
The activists were detained at Minsk’s central Kamarouka marketplace on March 16 while campaigning for seats in next week’s local elections.
They were wearing T-shirts bearing the photographs of political prisoners.
Lyabedzka and four other activists spent the night in custody.
The remaining five were released.
All were expected to be tried on March 17.
The exact charges are not known.