30.10.2009 BAJ never got answer to complaint regarding attack on journalists

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Minsk prosecutor’s office haven’t responded to the appeal of the Belarusian Association of Journalists regarding the events on September 16.

The journalists are going to file a complaint to higher authorities if an answer is not received by next week.

Euroradio learnt this from BAJ deputy head, lawyer Andrei Bastunets.

“Theoretically, the letter might have been sent, but a post office hasn’t delivered it. We are going to wait for some days, if we don’t get a response, we’ll complain.

30.10.2009 Svetlahorsk opposition activist fined

On 29 October Judge Vital Vashchylin of Svetlahorsk District Court fined Sviatlana Mikhalchanka, local Belarusian Party of Communists leader, BYR 1,225,000 for illegal distribution of the party’s newsletter ‘Left March’ at the Lausan plant entrance on 3 September. The verdict was based on inconsistent evidence by police captain Andrei Sauchanka and a number of the plant’s officials.

30.10.2009 Two activists detained for anti-nuclear picket in Mahiliou

Two Mahiliou activists Aksana Samoilava and Pavel Varashylau were arrested on 29 October as they were holding a picket against the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus. They were taken to the local police department and are currently awaiting charges and a subsequent trial.

30.10.2009 Opposition demands Yarmoshyna’s resignation

A new composition of the central Election Commission should prepare for the local elections in Belarus.

Leader of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka told this at a press conference in Minsk, BelaPAN reports.

“The UCP Political Council says the Central Election Commission should resign because its decisions and actions have undermined confidence of electorate and international organizations in the institutions of elections. So, the UCP suggests forming a new composition of the CEC on a pluralistic basis,” Anatol Lyabedzka said.