Critical election addresses taken off air

A number of TV addresses by pro-democratic candidates have been taken off the air on state-run TV channels, observers of the Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections campaign report.

In particular, bans were imposed on TV broadcasting of election addresses by Homel candidate Vasil Paliakou, Vitsebsk member of the United Civil Party Siarhei Reznichenka, UCP Babruisk candidate Matsvei Khatar.

The speeches have been banned by the Central Election Commission, as they call on voters not to go to the polls.

The Central Election Commission has also banned TV addresses of Salihorsk pro-democratic candidates Viktar Malochka and Artsiom Ahafonau, who were also expected to campaign for election boycott.

The management of Brest state-owned TV channel reportedly prohibited using the words “picket’, “boycott” and “Lukashenka” in the election address of local candidate Mrs. Dziyana Kastsiukovich.

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”