22.09.2009 Foreign human rights activist refused Belarusian visa

Joanna Kurocz, member of the Civil Rights Defenders international organization, has not been allowed to receive a Belarusian visa, say representatives of an international journalists’ mission, currently on a visit to Belarus. During their stay in Minsk, the journalists have had a number of meetings with representatives of Belarusian mass media, both independent and state-owned ones. They were also invited to a meeting with Deputy Chair of the President’s Administration Natallia Piatkevich. The results of the visit will be reported during a final briefing at the International Education Center on 23 September.

10.09.2009 Ivan Kruk continues appealing against fine for distribution of newspapers

Astravets activist Ivan Kruk has filed a review complaint with the head of Hrodna oblast court Hrynkevich. Mr. Kruk believes that the huge fine (700 000 rubles, about $250) was imposed on him for publishing in the bulletin some information about the danger of the construction of a nuclear power station.

28.08.2009 Opposition rallies not welcome in downtown Vitsebsk

Vitsebsk city authorities have arrived at a decision to restrict the number of locations for holding pickets and rallies to three places on the outskirts of the city, thus putting a ban on organizing mass actions in downtown Vitsebsk. The same decision also regulates the procedures of holding demonstrations, including permits by local police, medical and utility departments. Local pro-dem activists have repeatedly called upon the city authorities to authorize holding rallies in the city center. However, the officials are still afraid of letting opposition activists hold actions in downtown Vitsebsk.

24.08.2009 Russian HR activist not allowed to enter Belarus

Nikolai Zboroshenko, Chair Assistant of the Moscow Helsinki Group, was not allowed to enter Belarus as he was crossing the Lithuania-Belarus border due to a travel ban. The ban must have been caused by Mr.Zboroshenko’s detention during a protest demonstration in 2006.

24.08.2009 Kalinouski education program student banned to leave Belarus

Belarusian board guards have not allowed Nadzeya Krapivina, participant of the Kastus Kalinouski Belarus-Poland student education program, to leave Belarus referring to a travel ban, Radio Racyja reports. However, they failed to provide explanations for the decision.

18.08.2009 Minsk authorities ban anti-crisis picket

According to Radio Racyja, Minsk city authorities have banned an anti-crisis picket in downtown Minsk on 18 August. The picket was arranged by activists of the oppositional Belarusian Party of Communists, who were going to protest against the violations of the social rights of workers, as well as to demand a wage rise, advance of social benefits and prevention of mass job destruction. According to the party’s press secretary Siarhei Vazniak, the authorities banned the rally because they are afraid of the social campaign launched by the local oppositional Communists and members of the United Civil Party of Belarus.

13.08.2009 State monopolist ‘Beposhta’ refuses to return subscription to oppositional media

The postal monopolist didn’t include independent newspapers Svobodnye Novosti Plus and Hantsavitski Chas in the subscription catalogue for the second half of year 2009.

11.08.2009 KGB is reluctant to explain reasons for warning to Yan Roman

Ihar Siarheyenka, head of Hrodna oblast KGB department, refuses to explain the reasons for an official warning to Yan Roman, journalist for Radio Racyja.

21.07.2009 Action on Independence Day July 27 banned in Mahilou

The Mahilou city executive committee didn’t allow opposition activists to hold information pickets in the city center dedicated to the 19th anniversary of adoption of the Declaration of the State Sovereignty of the BSSR by the Supreme Council of the BSSR.

The answer, signed by deputy head of the city vertical Fyodar Mikheenka, says there is a special place for such actions in Mahilou – Cheluskintsev Street near house #54-a. this place is far from crowded streets. To get a permit for an action the applicants must sign a contract with the local militia, medical workers, utility services and pay them.

15.07.2009 New warnings for ‘illegal journalism’

On 14 July Minsk oblast prosecutor’s office used warnings for ‘illegal journalist activities’ to the members of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Axana and Alexander Kalinkins.

09.07.2009 Ivan Kruk appeals against fine

Astravets activist Ivan Kruk, who has been fined for handing out press editions containing no imprint, appealed against the verdict of Astravets district court to Hrodna oblast court, and also applied to Hrodna oblast prosecutor’s office.

08.07.2009 Detentions in Brest: police violate ruling of deputy minister of information

The detained participants of a peaceful picket in the memory of the missing cameraman Zmitser Zavadski spent some hours at the police department where printed materials were seized.

08.07.2009 Ministry of Foreign Affairs refuses to register Belarusian representation of BelSat TV

The official reason is that one more document is needed to register the TV channel.

07.07.2009 BELARUSIAN LIBERALIZATION: you distribute anti-crisis program, we fine you

Judge of Leninski district court of Hrodna A.Bialinski fined the members of Hrodna branch of the Young Front Yauhen Hatalski and Yauhen Shvaba 175 000 rubles for distribution of leaflets with anti-crisis program.

01.07.2009 Monitoring of the situation with non-governmental organizations and freedom of association

Prepared by the Assembly of Pro-Democratic. Non-Governmental Organizations in Belarus