16.10.2009 Activists stand trial in Homel

On 16 October, several trials took place in Homel, following the charges brought against a number of local activists for participating in the 16 September Hanchar and Krasouski memorial demonstration. Judge Vital Kozyrau of Homel Chyhunachny Court has convicted oppositional Communist activist Uladzimer Siakerka of taking part in an illegal rally and despite ample evidence in favour of the activist fined him BYR 700,000. Another opposition activist – BPF member Anatol Paplauny asked the judge to sentence him to imprisonment, since he ‘did not want to support the broke anti-national regime with his own money.’

16.10.2009 Foreign Ministry ignores conclusions by UN HR Committee

Baranavichy human rights activist Siarhei Housha has received a reply to his inquiry lodged with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging the officials to provide explanations for the Ministry’s non-compliance with the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee of 27 July 2007, ordering the Belarusian authorities to rehabilitate Mr.Housha’s right to the freedom of association, as one of the founders of the Viasna human rights center, closed down by order of court in 2003.

16.10.2009 Young leader Maxim Vinyarski sentenced to 2 days of arrest

An activist of the civil campaign “European Belarus” handed out leaflets with information abut political prisoners.

The activist was detained on October 15 near “Maladzyovaya” metro station. From the police department of the metro he was taken to the court of Frunzenski district. The oppositionist was found guilty of violation of the Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code – violation of the order of holding mass events, and sentenced to two days of administrative arrest.

16.10.2009 Russian national at large

Andrei Ozharovsky, Russian atomic physicist, has been released from Astravets town prison, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. The scientist was arrested on 9 October during public hearings on the projected construction of a nuclear power plant outside the town, where Mr.Ozharovsky was to present his report on the issue criticizing the project. He was later convicted of ‘disorderly conduct’ and sentenced to 7 days of imprisonment.