Belarusian Christian Democracy co-chairman detained after non-social-parasites' rally
MINSK. March 12 (Interfax) - Police in Orsha have detained Belarusian Christian Democracy party co-chairman Pavel Severinets after a rally of "non-social-parasites" in the town, the party spokesperson said.
"After the march of non-social-parasites in Orsha traffic police officers stopped the vehicle carrying Belarusian Christian Democracy co-chairman Pavel Severinets, who was one of speakers at the rally," the spokesperson said.
Severinets was detained by riot policemen, along with members of the Belsat television crew and a local resident who jumped into the police vehicle "in order to be with Pavel," the spokesperson said.
In all, five people have been held who are now at the Orsha District Police Department, the spokesperson said.
More banned rallies against the so-called "social parasitism decree" were held in Brest, Bobruisk and Orsha on Sunday.
The decree, entitled "On the prevention of social parasitism," compels Belarusian citizens, as well as foreigners and non-citizens permanently residing in the country, who have not contributed to the funding of public expenses for at least 183 calendar days (six months), to pay a fee.
Last Thursday President Alexander Lukashenko ordered not to charge the fee for a year.