The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 30 Mar 2010

30.03.2010 The results of monitoring of the registration of candidates for deputies of the Local Councils of Deputies of the 26th convocation and the formation of election commissions

The Campaign ‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’ presents the results of monitoring of the registration of candidates for deputies of the Local Councils of Deputies of the 26th convocation and the formation of election commissions.

30.03.2010 Execution of Zhuk and Yuzepchuk direct insult to UN HR Committee, says expert

The UN Human Rights Committee released a statement on the recent execution of Andrei Zhuk and Vasil Yzepchuk, saying that ‘the Belarusian Government had flagrantly violated its obligations under the Optional Protocol.’

30.03.2010 Police raid apartments of Brest anti-Fascists

The Brest police searched the private apartments of a number of local anti-Fascist activists and seized several PCs, European Radio for Belarus reports, quoting Belarusian Helsinki Committee human rights activist Valiantsin Lazarenkau.

30.03.2010 Supreme Court turns down claim by Young Belarus

The Supreme Court dismissed the claim lodged by the 'Young Belarus' movement and upheld the decision by the Ministry of Justice, who earlier refused registration to the organization, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. The youth movement headed by activist Zmitser Kaspiarovich is officially registered in Lithuania. Lacking Belarusian registration, its members nay be prosecuted under Article 193-1 of the Criminal Code for illegal membership.

30.03.2010 Agitation stand in Minsk. Photofact.

It has been two weeks now since agitation stands appeared in Minsk. The canvassing campaign has already started, but some of the stands in major stores and in Minsk streets are still blank.

30.03.2010 Parking lot chosen as election picketing location by Svetlahorsk district authorities

Local candidates will have to hold their canvassing activities either at a parking lot or in the town park, says decision #397 of 10 March 2010 by Svetlahorsk District Executive Committee. Both the locations are situated on the outskirts of Svetlahorsk.

30.03.2010 Mahiliou regional election commission holds closed meeting

According to the BPF observer Barys Bukhel, the Mahiliou Regional Election Commission refused to allow the officially accredited observers attend the commission meeting on 29 March.

30.03.2010 Mahiliou regional commission reverses decision by city commission and registers two candidates

On 29 March the Mahiliou Regional Election Commission considered the claims by two nominees who had earlier been refused registration by the city’s commission. The Commission found that the grounds for refusals were insufficient and registered Uladzimir Tsiareshchanka and Volha Aleshka.

30.03.2010 2/3 of Vitsebsk constituencies non-alternative

Just like in the 2007 local council elections, the Vitsebsk City Council seats will be claimed by heads of state enterprises and opposition party members. It is only in the constituencies with pro-democratic candidates, where the elections will be alternative – out of 40 city’s constituencies only 12 will be competed by more than one candidate.