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Opposition activist Vinahradaw detained by police for nine hours

Pavel Vinahradaw, leader of the youth wing of the “Tell the Truth!” movement, was detained for nine hours in Minsk on Thursday as police made sure that he could not greet opposition activist Uladzimir Yaromenak at the gate of the detention center on Akrestsina Street.

Mr. Vinahradaw, 25, was arrested at his home at about 7 a.m. He was brought to a police station, where he was shown documentaries about the harmful effects of excessive drinking and the importance of careful driving.

He was allowed to leave the station only after Mr. Yaromenak was released from the jail. Mr. Vinahradaw had called on activists to meet the member of the Malady Front opposition group at the entrance to the detention center.

In May 2011, Mr. Vinahradaw was sentenced to four years in prison in connection with a post-election protest staged in the Belarusian capital city on December 19, 2010. He was among 11 post-election protesters pardoned by Alyaksandr Lukashenka on September 14, 2011.

In April 2012, Mr. Vinahradaw was placed under "preventive" police supervision. He is prohibited from leaving Minsk without police permission and required to stay at home from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and report to probation officers on a regular basis.

Last year Mr. Vinahradaw stood trial at least 10 times for various minor civil offenses and spent a total of 66 days in jail.

He was released from jail after serving out the most recent jail term on May 4. //BelaPAN