Opposition activist Vyachaslau Siuchyk had to spend almost 5 hours in a militia department. His wife and son were beaten just in front of the Tsentralny district militia department of Minsk.

Vyachaslau Siuchyk was detained near October Square at 5:30 pm September 16 when he was going to buy cigarettes. An action of solidarity was to start nearby, at Church of St Joseph, at 7 pm. the oppositionist was guarded to a militia station and two hours later he and other 20 detained activists were taken to the Tsentralny district militia department of Minsk.

“We were made to stand facing the wall in the militia department. We were not allowed to talk and use cell phones. No reports were drawn up, but all of us were fingerprinted. There is no hot water or soap in the department. It was impossible to wash our hands,” Vyachaslau Siuchyk told the charter97.org website.

The detained people were released at 10 pm. their families and friends began to gather near the department. Siuchyk’s wife and 15-year-old son were beaten by the militia as they tried to enter the building.

“We wanted to enter the Tsentralny district militia department to get information about Vyachaslau. We were not allowed in. we said we have the right to enter. As a result, some persons in militia uniform but without badges came out and began to force us out. I was knocked down. I saw stars. Vitaut ran to defend me. A militiaman caught him by collar and began to twist it. The boy was suffocating. We shouted, people gathered around us. The militia had to give up. I still have pain in my arm,” Siuchyk’s wife Hanna told charter97.org.

“Their fear made them go mad. Madness goes from top authorities. The authorities have schizophrenic fear of their future,” Vyachaslau Siuchyk commented on the situation.

Charter`97