The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

Judge Tatsiana Matyl of Minsk Maskouski District Court has sentenced Euroradio reporter Pavel Sviardlou to 15 days of administrative arrest on “disorderly conduct” charges.

The administration of the Mikashevichy-based Granite enterprise has reportedly dismissed Vital Pasheka, member of local independent trade union.

Aliaksandr Artsybashau and Pavel Vinahradau, activists of the Tell the Truth civil campaign, have been sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest each.

Statement by the Human Rights Center “Viasna” The Human Rights Center “Viasna” strongly condemns the arrest of and libel charges brought against journalist Andrei Pachobut, and views the case as politically motivated harassment aimed at sanctioning his professional activities and freedom of expression. We consider Andrei Pachobut another political prisoner and demand his immediate and unconditional release.

William T. Robinson III, President of the American Bar Association, has sent a letter of concern to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navanethem Pillay urging her to address violations of international law in Belarus.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has appointed three Special Rapporteurs to monitor the situation in Belarusian pre-trial prisons, as part of the case of Brest resident Mrs. Inha Abramava.