Belarus authorities put female protester into mental hospital


Natallya Papkova had to spend in Brest mental hospital three days. The police prevented the woman from taking part in the protest rally on Sunday.

Natallya was one of the most active participants of the protests against the notorious ‘parasite’ law that took place on 26 February in Brest.

On March 2, employees of the hospital phoned her and asked to appear for mandatory mental examination referring to the police’s order.

In fear of provocation, Papkova refused to be examined. But the following day, when she and her sister were leaving the house, the woman was detained by the police and brought to the mental hospital. In protest, the woman went on hunger strike there.

Natallya Papkova has been kept there for three days.

Alyaksandr Lukashenka vs critics of ‘parasite’ tax (ENG subtitles)

Decree Nr 3 signed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka in April, 2015 established the obligation of the citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens permanently residing in Belarus, stateless persons, who did not participate in the financing of public spending or participated in such financing less than 183 days (six months – ed.) in the past year, to pay a fee of 20 basic units (appr. $230).

In late February, protests were held in a number of Belarusian cities and towns. The most sizable action took place in Homiel where 3,000 – 4,000 persons gathered.

belsat.eu

TWITTER