PEN-center issues a public statement in support of independent photographers
The
national civil association "Belarusian PEN-center" issued a
statement in support of indepent photographers. According to media
information, a civil case has been brought against Yuliya
Darashkevich and Vadzim Zamirouski, the organizers of the artistic
contest "Belarus Press Photo 2011" and the court
proceedings against them will start soon.
PEN-Center is a
legally registered voluntary civil association, one of the main aims
of whose activity is counteraction to any restrictions or persecution
of citizens of Belarus for exercising their right to free expression
of their thoughts and views. This right is guaranteed by Article 33
of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus where it is
stated:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinions
and convictions and their free expression. Nobody can be forced to
express his views or refuse from them. The monopolization of mass
media by the state, civil associations or individuals is
inadmissible."
The council of the Belarusian PEN-Center
considers the actions of the people responsible for the initiation of
the aforementioned case as a manifestation of persecution of the
journalists for their creative work and convictions, which directly
contradicts to the quoted Constitution article and the international
undertakings of the Republic of Belarus in the sphere of the
protection of fudnamental human rights.
We urge the
appropriate state organs to stop the unlawful persecution of
journalists and artists. Thereby we reserve the right to inform the
international community about the facts of violation of the right to
freedom of expression and creative activities in the Republic of
Belarus.
Andrei Khadanovich, head of the national association
"Belarusian PEN-Center"
According to lit-bel.org
