International League for Human Rights Demands Immediate and Unconditional Release of Zmitser Dashkevich

02.11.2006.

Statement of the International League for Human Rights:

November 1, 2006

President Aleksandr Lukashenko

K. Marx Street, 38

Minsk, Belarus 220016

FAX: +375-172-26-06-10

President Lukashenko,

The International League for Human Rights, an international non-governmental organization with special consultative status at the United Nations, expresses grave concern about the court decision November 1, 2006, to sentence Dmitry Dashkevich, co-chairman of the Young Front group, to 18 months of imprisonment on charges of “organizing the activity of an unregistered public movement.”

On September 15, 2006, Dmitry Dashkevich was detained on suspicion of violation of Article 193.1 of the Criminal Code (activity on behalf of an unregistered organization). On September 21, 2006 Dashkevich was indicted and placed in detention.

The League believes that the charges against Dashkevich are politically motivated, and that due process has not been followed in handling his case.

Belarus has undertaken commitments to uphold international standards of freedom of expression and assembly as a signatory to agreements such as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. These freedoms are fundamental to a democratic society. President Lukashenko, the League calls on you to ensure that all Belarusian citizens are allowed to express their views without fear of reprisals and prosecution.

The League demands the immediate and unconditional release of Dmitry Dashkevich, and the numerous political prisoners who are imprisoned throughout Belarus.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Robert Arsenault

President