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Belarusian Activist Interrogated Over Flag


Opposition members fly the flag in Vitebsk.
Opposition members fly the flag in Vitebsk.
MINSK -- An active member of the opposition Young Belarus movement says he was interrogated by the KGB at his home after he flew the opposition-preferred national flag, RFE/RL's Belarus Service reports.

Andrey Kuzminsky told RFE/RL that a KGB officer came to his apartment this week and warned him that he might be brought to account for his role in displaying the banned white-and-red Belarusian national flag on the streets of Minsk last month.

The white-and-red flag is not recognized by the present government and is only used by opposition groups during demonstrations. People who display it are often fined or detained.

Kuzminsky said the officer also urged him to quit the Young Belarus movement and provide the KGB with information about its leader, Artur Finkevich, and other activists. He said the interrogation lasted about an hour.

Kuzminsky added that the officer warned him that it is illegal to participate in the activities of a nonregistered organization, such as Young Belarus. He also said the Young Belarus logo is "similar to a fascist symbol," warning that it is illegal.
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