May Day in Minsk ends with detentions

At least 22 people, mostly young activists, were detained Thursday during the official Labor Day celebrations near the National Library in Minsk, reports Belapan.

The list of the detainees includes prominent pro-democracy activists: Zmitser Fedaruk, Yauhen Afnahel, Zmitser Barodka, Artur Finkevich, Ivan Shyla.

All of them were taken to Pershamayski district police station. Several people who came to express their solidarity with the detainees were also placed into police custody.

The youngsters are reportedly facing administrative charges. Mikola Statkevich is charged with taking part in the unauthorized event.

Statkevich and several other youth activists today raised EU flags during the officially approved May Day festivities organized by the pro-governmental Federation of Trade Unions.