Plainclothes Belarussian policemen detain a protestor in central Minsk in July 2011 (AFP/File, Viktor Drachev)

MINSK — Officials from the UN and EU on Friday joined calls to Belarus to release the head of a human rights group, who was arrested and charged with crimes punishable by seven years in jail.
Vyasna (Spring) leader Ales Beliatsky had spearheaded his organisation's drive to help political prisoners and provide legal support to those who dared rise against President Alexander Lukashenko's dictatorial rule.
The group was also instrumental in releasing details about those detained during a weekly series of protests inspired by the social network revolutions of the Arab world.
Vyasna has been the target of repeated police raids and Beliatsky's arrest Thursday evening was on tax evasion charges. The group's office was also searched and various documents removed.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the "harassment" of rights activists.
"Given the many worrying reports of harassment of human rights defenders in Belarus, we call on the authorities to guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Bialatski and all human rights defenders in Belarus," said spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani.
European Parliament president Jerzy Buzek said events such as those witnessed in Minsk were "unacceptable on our continent in the 21st century".