23.01.2009 IBB refused to accommodate Christian Democrats assembly

The German International Educational Center IBB will not host the constituent assembly of the newly created Belarusian Christian Democracy organization. IBB Representatives said the application was correct and the conference hall is not occupied on 28 January, but refused to accommodate the assembly.

23.01.2009 Belarusian Christians demand to respect their rights

As a result of a round table discussion on the freedom of conscience in Belarus, the leading experts adopted a resolution with a demand to liberalize the Belarusian law ‘On the Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations’.

23.01.2009 Human rights activist sentenced for ‘disorderly conduct’

On 22 January Vitsebsk Pershamaiski Borough Court sentenced human rights activist Valery Shchukin to a BYR 70,000 fine for disorderly conduct in December 2008, as he was trying to protect an under-aged Maksim Andreyeu from mental cruelty by a hospital psychiatrist. Maksim was deprived of his right to live with his mother and kept in a mental hospital.

23.01.2009 Franak Viachorka’s draft delayed

Minsk Savetski Borough Court resolved to suspend the process of drafting the BPF’s Youth leader Franak Viachorka, after he appealed against the numerous violations by military officials and medics as he was forced to join the army. On 21 January Franak Viachorka was detained by plainclothes policemen as he was undergoing a medical examination in one of Minsk hospitals. The young politician had previously had an eye surgery and therefore was granted deferment from military service. However, Viachorka was informed he would soon be taken to a military unit.

23.01.2009 Vintsuk Vyachorka: ODIHR OSCE Director said he won’t “dance” with Belarusian government

A meeting of Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, the Director of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), with representatives of opposition has been held in Minsk.

As the Charter’97 press-centre has been informed by the deputy chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front party Vintsuk Vyachorka, the aim of Janez Lenarcic’s visit to Minsk was to fashion the actions of the Belarusian government in cooperation with the OSCE concerning democratisation of the country.

23.01.2009 EU’s Commissioner: There were lots of things missing on the democratic side in Belarus

The EU's Commissioner said Belarus couldn’t join the Eastern Partnership without democratic reforms.

The Eastern Partnership is an offer that the European Union gives to the six Eastern countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus (on certain conditions).