Swedish Rights Activist Not Allowed To Enter Belarus

Swedish human rights activist Martin Uglu has been prevented from entering Belarus.

Uglu is the chief of the Ostgruppen human rights group that actively opposed holding the Ice Hockey World Championship (INWC) in Minsk, citing human rights abuses by Belarusian authorities.

Uglu was stopped by Belarusian border guards at a Minsk airport on May 7.

The border guards told Uglu that he was barred from entering Belarus, but added that they were consulting with their superiors on their next steps. No more details were given.

Some 20 opposition activists were sent to jail for 10-25 days in the last several days.

Rights defenders say the incarcerations were made to prevent protests during the IHWC, which is scheduled to kick off on May 9.