Three Svietlahorsk residents detained for an “act of terrorism”

March 4, BPN. The Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption of the Interior Ministry, together with the KGB, detained three residents of Svietlahorsk (Homiel Region) aged between 29 and 50 years old for an “act of terrorism.”

According to the Interior Ministry, residents of the district center “succumbed to the calls of destructive Telegram channels to participate in the railway war.” Allegedly, a representative of the ByPol group (ByPol is considered as an extremist formation in Belarus – BPN.) contacted one of the detainees, offering to disable railway facilities for a cash reward.

“The 29-year-old suspect, along with his acquaintances, spilled flammable liquid on the railway signalling equipment box in the evening of February 28 and set it on fire. The equipment burned out completely, which led to a danger to train traffic,” the Interior Ministry said.

A criminal case has been opened.

Previously, the police detained a married couple in Stoŭbcy (Minsk Region) also accused of sabotage on the railway.

According to human rights defenders, on March 2 and 3 searches were conducted in Svietlahorsk in the homes of activists previously prosecuted for participation in rallies. Several persons were detained.