The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 5 Feb 2009

05.02.2009 The IFJ Says Impunity and "Callous Indifference" Remain Threats as New Wave of Media Killings Wipes out Optimism Over Death Toll in 2008

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today issued its report on the killings of journalists in 2008 with a warning that 2009 could be the deadliest year yet for journalists. A wave of killings in the first days of the new year have undermined hopes that the falling death toll recorded in 2008 was the first sign of a change in the pattern of killings which have risen dramatically in recent years.

05.02.2009 Issue of non-state newspaper 'Vitebskiy Kurier M' is suspended

The non-state newspaper Vitebskiy Kurier M had to suspend its issue since the beginning of 2009 and informed the Ministry of Information about it by a special letter.

05.02.2009 Brest oblast court reversed verdict for eviction of Zhana Abramava’s family from apartment

On 5 February in Brest the College Board on civil cases of Brest oblast court, presided by Alena Khatsko considered the complaint of the activist of the For Freedom movement Zhana Abramava concerning the eviction of her family from the apartment. The court reversed the verdict of Maskouski district court of Brest for 25 November and returned the case for a second trial.

05.02.2009 Minsk: police burst into apartment to arrest ‘European Belarus’ activists

On 5 February the police burst into the apartment hired by the activist of the civil campaign European Belarus Pavel Yukhnevich, searched it and confiscated equipment and EU flags.

05.02.2009 Performance against home arrest to opposition activists

On 4 February a performance was held in the centre of Minsk in defense of oppositional activists sentenced to house arrest for participation in the protest rally of market vendors.

05.02.2009 Minsk authorities send opposition activists to Banhalor Square again

Minsk city executive committee has named Bangalore Square as the place for gathering of the group collecting signatures for amendment of the Electoral Code.

05.02.2009 'Young Front' sues to court against Lukashenka’s agreements with Russia

On 5 February the Young Front has sent a petition to the Constitutional Court with a call to recognize agreements with Russia signed on 3 and 4 February as inconsistent with the Belarusian legislation.

05.02.2009 Belarusian Christian Democracy Party cannot hold its constituent assembly

The owners of 10 Minsk halls refused to provide premises for the constituent assembly of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party refused to lend them for the constituent assembly of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party.

05.02.2009 Review-Chronicle of Human Rights Violations in Belarus in January 2009

The universal financial crisis did not pass Belarus. The National Bank set a new currency exchange rate, as a result of which the Belarusian ruble was at once devalued by 20%, which inflicted loss to ordinary citizens and the importers who bought goods for currency.