The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 20 Apr 2010

20.04.2010 Pro-state candidates use public media for canvassing

Numerous pro-government candidates running for the local councils of Mahiliou region, as well as those of the town of Polatsk, Vitsebsk region, have made extensive use of the state-owned mass media for their canvassing activities, independent observers report.

20.04.2010 Opposition leaders detained in Vitsebsk

The politician Pavel Seviarynets and journalist Uladzimer Staraverau were arrested outside Vitsebsk Kastrychnitski police department for alleged hoisting of a white-red-white flag on the department’s building, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. They came to support the CCP BPF activist Siarhei Kavalenka, who had been detained for waving a white-red-white flag outside the court building earlier this day.

20.04.2010 Pre-election meeting with Milinkevich’s participation banned

Deputy chair of Hrodna city executive committee Iryna Senchankava banned a meeting with voters. The meeting was to be attended by Aliaksandr Milinkevich, ex-deputy chair of the committee, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports.

20.04.2010 Student harassed by KGB

On 7 April Maryna Yauseichyk, student of the Journalism Faculty of the Belarusian State University, received a phone call from an unknown person, presenting himself as a KGB officer Zmitser, who invited the girl for conversation to the KGB office at 6a Kazlou Street in Minsk.

20.04.2010 White-red-white flag is not subject to criminal prosecution

Statement by the Human Rights Center ‘Viasna’

20.04.2010 Salihorsk: canvassing conditions vary

Salihorsk town authorities keep using various kinds of means of gumming up the election campaign of the local independent candidate Aliaksei Valabuyeu. The latest trends include stripping off the candidate’s posters. Besides, heads of local state-owned enterprises resist posting Mr. Valabuyeu’s posters on their agitation stands, despite official permit by the executive committee.

20.04.2010 Postmen ‘campaign’ for pro-state candidates

Orsha post-office staff have reportedly been used to campaign for pro-government candidates, local observers say. There have been numerous recorded facts when the town residents received leaflets of loyal candidates with their mail.

20.04.2010 Candidates violate Electoral Code, says Vitsebsk regional election commission

The Vitsebsk regional election commission considered a claim by Heorhi Stankevich, running for the Beshankovichy District Council, concerning a ban imposed on the candidate’s radio address. The Commission argues that Mr. Stankevich’s speech violated the provisions of Articles 47 and 75 of the Electoral Code, which prohibit dissemination of information that incite social hostility.