Ivan Mikhailau’s mother gets reply from National Security Commission

The mother of Ivan Mikhailau, convicted of draft evasion, received an official reply from the National Security Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly.

In his reply, deputy chair of the Commission Mr. Misurahin states that Article 57 of the Belarusian Constitution ‘does not establish the right to alternative service due to religious beliefs, but only provides for its possible use.’ He also says that under Article 36 of the Belarusian Military Code ‘the right to apply alternative service is solely within the jurisdiction of district or town draft boards.’ ‘Your son Ivan Mikhailau failed to plea for application of alternative service at the 24 June 2009 Minsk district draft board meeting,’ says the official.

Such a reply is legally absurd, says human rights activist Uladzimir Labkovich, since alternative service is only provided by Article 57 of the Constitution, and not mentioned by any Belarusian law.