Ministry of Justice Demands from Belarusian People’s Front to Change Juridical Addresses for Its Units till 1 February 2005

Belarusian People’s Front “Adradzhenne” received a letter from the Ministry of Justice, signed by the minister Uladzimir Halavanaw and dated 18 October 2004. Here the ministry states that it is illegal to have juridical address of political parties in private flats if the flats have no separate exit and therefore demands from the BPF to change the juridical addresses for a number of its units. Otherwise the ministry promises to “react in conformity with the legislation”, which can mean liquidation of the party.

The overwhelming majority of units of democratic political parties and NGOs are registered in flats. Now they have to look for other juridical addresses, which is quite complicated. This demand of the Ministry of Justice touches about 90% of party units and it is physically impossible to execute it till the stated deadline.

The head of the BPF Party Vintsuk Viachorka thinks that this demand is politically motivated. – It means that Lukashenka’s order “not to leave a stone standing”. It is an attempt to destroy political parties from below. However, we are not afraid of it. BPF existed in unregistered state and if it happens, we will follow the promptings of conscience.

Ales DASHCHYNSKI, RFE/RL