Election observer Alyaksandr Taustyk detained in Minsk

Entreprneur Alyaksandr Taustyka, a trustee of Ales Lahvinets, a candidate for the Minsk City Council, was detained in the evening of April 24 at the polling station No 27 at Sukharava constituency No 30 in Minsk.  BelaPAN reports that Taustyka, who was observing the early voting, made a remark to the deputy chairman of the electoral commission when two people entered the polling cabin at the same time. In 20 minutes, commission chairman Aksana Kokarava accused Alyaksandr Taustyka of "violating public order" and called the police.

The observer was charged with "petty hooliganizm" and is currently being held at a pre-trial detention center. He will appear in court on Monday.