The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Belarus. Extracts.

Homel journalist Larysa Shchyrakova has been summoned to Homel Regional Prosecutor’s Office. The journalist fears she may receive a warning for contributing to foreign media.

Alena Kavalenka, wife of imprisoned opposition activist Siarhei Kavalenka, has been reportedly detained this morning outside the Vitsebsk Regional Court building, where an appeal against the activist’s prison term is expected to be heard today.

Uladzimir Yaromenak and Pavel Siarhei, activists of the Young Front opposition movement, were sentenced to seven and five days of administrative arrest respectively in yesterday’s trial at Minsk Frunzenski District Court.

The administration of Homel-based “Tourist” hotel has refused to provide premises for the screening of a documentary “Stalin’s Line. Homel Region” produced by local pro-democratic activists.

Hrodna Leninski District Court has dismissed appeals by local pro-democratic activists Yury Istomin, Vadzim Saranchukou and Uladzimir Khilmanovich in their lawsuit against the city’s executive committee.

Judge Mikhail Khoma of Minsk Leninski district Court has sentenced activist Ivan Amelchanka to 15 days of administrative arrest on hooliganism charges.

On 29 May Minsk Pershamaiski District Court is to open the hearing of a criminal case of former prisoner of conscience Vasil Parfiankou who is facing charges of violating preventive supervision restrictions.

FIDH, Viasna and People in Need invite you to the screening of ONE WORLD 2012 documentary “BELORUSSIAN DREAM” by Ekaterina Kibalchich with the presence of Taciana Reviaka from VIASNA and Alexandra KOULAEVA from FIDH to be held in Bruxelles at Rue Caroly 15, 1050 on 21 May as part of the sixth annual One World human rights documentary film festival.

“Persons who claim the right to perform alternative service are not draft evaders, but conscientious objectors who do not want to perform military service with weapons in their hands. They agree to larger service time,” said Yauhen Asiyeuski, coordinator of the campaign “For Alternative Civil Service”, at today’s press-conference in Minsk.