The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for February 2012

21.02.2012 Committee to Protect Journalists denounces Lukashenka regime

The Lukashenka regime reinforced its reputation as Europe's most repressive regime for the press last year, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in a report released on Tuesday.

21.02.2012 Belarusian Judge Rules Activist's Trial May Proceed Despite Health Concerns

VITSEBSK, Belarus -- A judge in the eastern Belarusian city of Vitsebsk has ruled that Syarhey Kavalenka's health is "satisfactory" and that the trial of the opposition activist can proceed.

21.02.2012 Does Belarusian Code on Administrative Procedures correspond to international legal acts?

Human rights defender Siarhei Ustsinau has addressed the Constitutional Court of Belarus with an appeal demanding to assess the compliance of the Code on Administrative Procedures with the country’s commitments to secure the right to a fair trial.

21.02.2012 2012 International Mother Language Day: Mother tongue instruction and inclusive education

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999 (30C/62).

21.02.2012 Detentions ahead of Siarhei Kavalenka trial in Vitsebsk

Vitsebsk road police have detained a number of cars heading for the trial of local pro-democratic activist Siarhei Kavalenka, who is currently standing trial on sentence evasion charges.

20.02.2012 Vitsebsk human rights defender demands release of Siarhei Kavalenka

Vitsebsk human rights defender Pavel Levinau has submitted a written appeal with Pershamaiski District Court demanding a milder measure of restraint for the imprisoned opposition activist Siarhei Kavalenka, ahead of the trial he is to stand on 21 February.

20.02.2012 Hrodna resident appeals fine for refusing fingerprinting

On 20 February, Hrodna resident Ruslan Piatsko lodged an appeal with Hrodna Regional Court against a BYR 700,000 fine for refusing to undergo fingerprinting back on 10 February.

20.02.2012 Babruisk activist appeals fine at Supreme Court

Babruisk resident Artsiom Markhasiou has lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court, after his complaint against a BYR 700,000 fine was dismissed by Mahiliou Regional Court.

20.02.2012 Former political prisoner’s father harassed by tax inspection

On 17 February, Uladzimir Palazhanka, father of the Young Front’s deputy chair Nasta Palazhanka, was summoned to Minsk Pershamaiski District Tax Inspection.

20.02.2012 Salihorsk authorities keep banning pickets

Aliaksandr Rymasheuski, chair of Salihorsk district executive committee, has banned three pickets scheduled for 17-19 February, referring to Par. 6 Art. 5 of the Mass Events Code.

20.02.2012 Brest district authorities ban three protests against worsening living standards

The Brest District Executive Committee has rejected three applications from opposition activists for permission to stage demonstrations in local villages in protest against plunging living standards.

20.02.2012 Inter Press Service: Political Prisoners Facing Oppression

"I had to fight to be treated like a human, not animal," dissident Nikolai Avtukhovich wrote from prison.

19.02.2012 Examination of Criminal Procedure Code at request of Kavalyow`s mother is advisable, says Presidential Administration

The Presidential Administration has replied to an application from the mother of Uladzislaw Kavalyow, who was sentenced to death in the subway bombing case last year, saying that it is advisable examine the country’s Criminal Procedure Code at her request.

17.02.2012 "Criminalization" of Human Rights Defenders Condemned

In a press conference, the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) and Human Rights Defenders-Pilipinas (HRDP), condemned a global pattern of repression of human rights defenders.

17.02.2012 Ales Bialiatski transferred to Babruisk penal colony

The imprisoned leader of the Human Rights Center “Viasna” Ales Bialiatski has been convoyed to penal colony No. 2 in the town of Babruisk, Mahiliou region, to serve his 4.5-year term for alleged tax evasion, the human rights defender’s wife says.