Human rights activists report two politically motivated arrests in Baranavičy

June 17, BPN. Law enforcers arrested master of sports in powerlifting Uładzimir Branavicki (54) in Baranavičy, Brest region, on 16 June, the Viasna Human Rights Center reported.

It noted that the man was taken from his home, which the officers left open. In late August 2020, Branavicki had signed an open letter of athletes demanding an end to reprisals.

In addition, photographer Alaksandr Kudłovič (55) was arrested in Baranavičy.

The man reportedly had to leave for Russia because of political persecution in 2020, but returned to Belarus last May.

Kudłovič is charged with insulting Alaksandr Łukašenka and a representative of the state.