The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

The trial of Vitsebsk opposition activist Siarhei Kavalenka facing charges of alleged violation of house arrest restrictions is expected to be resumed at 2 p.m. tomorrow, after the defendant was taken to hospital.

On 21 February, BelaPAN journalist Alena Hermanovich was not allowed to cover a seminar on the cooperation of the state and businessmen held in Homel on the initiative of local executive authorities.

Journalists of the Poland-based independent media Viktar Parfionenka (Radio Racyja) and Ales Dzianisau (BelSat TV Channel) have received official warnings by Hrodna Regional Prosecutor’s Office for working in Belarus without MFA’s accreditation.

Human rights defender Siarhei Ustsinau has addressed the Constitutional Court of Belarus with an appeal demanding to assess the compliance of the Code on Administrative Procedures with the country’s commitments to secure the right to a fair trial.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999 (30C/62).

Vitsebsk road police have detained a number of cars heading for the trial of local pro-democratic activist Siarhei Kavalenka, who is currently standing trial on sentence evasion charges.