The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

The two death sentences handed down in Belarus today followed a trial that has failed to meet international fair trial standards, said Amnesty International.

The Belarusian authorities must immediately release a prominent human rights activist and prisoner of conscience who faces up to seven years in jail on “politically motivated” charges of tax evasion, Amnesty International said today.

Amnesty International activists around the world are coming together on the World Day Against the Death Penalty to demand an end to executions in Belarus, the only country in Europe and the former Soviet Union that still executes.

On 2 September Aliaksandr Lukashenka granted parole to four participants of the peaceful protest action against the rigged presidential election held on 19 December 2010.

On 11 August, Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka granted pardon to at least 4 persons convicted for alleged involvement in the 19 December 2010 mass riot.

The Belarusian authorities must release a prominent human rights activist, whose pre-trial detention on charges of "serious tax evasion" is believed to be politically motivated.

Belarusian authorities must refrain from using excessive force against protesters, Amnesty International said today, after police used teargas and arrested more than 300 protesters on Sunday.

Amnesty International has demanded the release of a Belarusian student sentenced today for taking part in a post-election protest - the third similar conviction in the past week.

Amnesty International has welcomed the release of a conscientious objector in Belarus who had been sentenced to one year in prison for “evading military service”.