Eight protesters rounded up in Vaukavysk

They were held there for about two hours and released. Police officers said they would bring charges against them for staging a protest without the local authorities' permission.

Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau and Uladzimir Asipenka were apprehended in armed raids in their hometown of Vawkavysk, Hrodna region, on the morning of February 8 and brought to a detention center in Minsk on the same day. They are said to be accused of perpetrating a series of arsons and explosions targeting the property of local officials and of illegal possession of explosives and firearms.

The three deny the charges, saying their persecution is politically motivated.