Topless Femen activists recount abuse by police

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Three members of a Ukrainian group known for their topless protests claim they were mistreated after being arrested in Belarus.

The women from Femen, a Kyiv- based organisation started in 2008, were detained by police following a demonstration against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Speaking to the press after their release, they were visibly emotional.

“They poured green antiseptic on our heads, then cut off some of my hair with a knife,” said Inna Shevchenko, removing her hooded top to show her damaged hair.

Oxana Shachko, who was also arrested, said they feared they would be sexually assaulted: “Then they told us to take our clothes off from the waist down and to turn around. This was the most horrible moment because we thought they’re going to rape us now.”

“We were beaten with sticks, we have bruises to show,” added Shevchenko.

There has been no official comment on the allegations of abuse from the KGB office in Minsk, from where the women were arrested on Tuesday.

Femen has gained international recognition for their distinctive protests on a range of political and social issues in Ukraine and abroad.

More about: Activism, Arrest, Ukraine, Women’s rights

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Via: euronews.net

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