Disrespect for Belarusian language not confirmed, says Ministry of Defence
Human rights activists Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich and Uladzimir Labkovich have received a reply to their address to the Ministry of Defence, demanding to put an end to illegal persecution of youth opposition leader Franak Viachorka, currently serving in the army, on account of his using Belarusian.
The reply denies any summary punishment was used against Franak Viachorka for using Belarusian, saying he was punished for ‘tactless attitude towards a superior.’
The letter also claims Belarusian is respected in the army.
The claim was also considered by Homel Intergarrison Military Prosecutor’s Office, saying the punishment was not caused by Viachorka’s using Belarusian, but by his ‘incorrect pronunciation of commands in Belarusian.’
