Human Rights Chair concerned about closing of Viasna office in Belarus
COPENHAGEN, 28 November 2012 -
Matteo Mecacci, chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly human rights
committee, today expressed deep concern over the confiscation of property and
closing off of the Viasna office in Minsk
"Viasna has been one of the few sources of independent information out of
Belarus and a host to others seeking to improve the human rights situation in
the country, exactly the type of activity that Belarus should welcome not close
off. I deeply regret the government has closed this office, but hope their
important work will continue," Mecacci said. "This week's action
against Viasna adds to the decision made one year ago, when authorities
sentenced Viasna's chairman, human rights activist Alex Bialatski, to prison on
tax evasion charges.
Viasna has played an important role in keeping Belarusians and the
international community informed about the human rights situation in the
country where press freedom and freedom of expression remain minimal. The
now-closed office had frequently served as a safe place for activists in
Belarus to host press conferences about human rights violations or other
activities.
“I am concerned that this decision will make it harder for Belarus to uphold
its OSCE commitments,” Mecacci said. “I call on the authorities to make
concrete steps forward in this regard, starting at the OSCE Ministerial Council
next week.”
Mecacci, a Member of the Italian Parliament, led the OSCE election observation
to Belarus this year and raised concerns about fundamental freedoms in the
country at that time as he frequently has done from his position as chair of
the OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 320 parliamentarians from 56
countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly
provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and
strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political,
security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.
