Belarusian Activist Faces Eviction, Loss Of Parental Rights

BABRUYSK, Belarus -- An opposition activist in eastern Belarus is facing eviction from her home and could also be divested of her parental rights, RFE/RL's Belarus Service reports. 

Alena Toustsik, an opposition United Civic Party activist in the town of Babruysk, told RFE/RL on January 20 that officials of the construction company that her husband, Dzmitry Toustsik, used to work for have officially asked her and her baby to vacate a room in the company's dormitory where they have been living.

The officials told Alena Toustsik that since her husband is not working for the company she and her daughter should leave the dormitory.

Alena's husband Dzmitry has been missing since December 6, one day after police searched their dormitory room and reportedly found illegal drugs.

She said the case against her husband is politically motivated because of his opposition political activity.

Alena Toustsik was officially informed on December 9 that her husband is wanted by police and that a criminal case had been launched against him.

Dzmitry Toustsik's current whereabouts are unknown.

Alena Toustsik also told RFE/RL that she has been summoned to the local department for child protection and warned that her parental rights might be taken away from her because she and her husband "have been added to a list of 'unreliable individuals.'"