From jail to mental home: Belarus police force female protester to undergo psychiatric assessment

 

Brest activist Natallya Papkova was to be released from prison, but the woman was taken to mental hospital instead.

She spent 7 days in arrest for participating in a ‘non-parasite rally’ on March, 12.

Policemen put Natallya into a car without any insignia. According to them, Natallya should be subjected to psychiatric assessment; then se will be allowed to go home. For Natallya, it will be the second mandatory mental examination.

In February, Natallya Papkova had to spend three days in Brest mental hospital, where she went on hunger strike. The police prevented the woman from taking part in the protest rally.

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

Decree Nr 3 signed by president 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).

The notorious decree caused a massive public outcry. In February-March, protests were held in a number of Belarusian cities and towns. On March 21, the Belarusian leader said Decree Nr 3 would not be abolished or suspended.

• Ars longa, vita brevis: Minsk street artists mock at pusher of tax on ‘social parasites’
• ‘Red tape men are main idlers’: Belarusians protesting infamous ‘parasite’ law in Brest
• ‘Discontent with Lukashenka’s govt’: Foreign media about protests against ‘parasites’ law in Belarus

belsat.eu following svaboda.org