Belarusian Opposition Leader Jailed 15 Days Over Gathering
March 17, 2014
MINSK -- In Belarus, the leader of the opposition United Civic Party has been sentenced to 15 days in jail for taking part in an unlawful public gathering and minor hooliganism.
Two associates of Anatol Lyabedzka were sentenced to 10 days in jail on the same charges on March 17.
The hearings of two other activists in connection with the case are still pending.
A total of 10 activists, including two journalists, 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 the four other activists spent the night in custody. The remaining five were released several hours later.
