21.05.2010 Assembly of Pro-Dem NGOs condemns campaign of political repressions

The Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs of Belarus has released an official statement, urging the authorities to put an end to mass harassment of the ‘Havary Praudu’ activists.

21.05.2010 Belarusian conscientious objector Ivan Mikhailau has been acquitted of the charge of “evasion of conscription measures

On 4 May, Ivan Mikhailau’s case was heard for a second time by Minsk Regional Court and he was found to be not guilty.

21.05.2010 Havary Praudu campaign leaders released

The apprehended were met in front of the police department of Leninski district, however they were not released from the remand prison in Akrestsin Street immediately.

Uladzimir Nyaklyaeu, the leader of 'Havary Praudu' ('Speak the Truth!') campaign, was taken to the centre of the city and released there. The editor-in-chief of "Tovarishch" newspaper Syarhei Vaznyak and an activist of the United Civil Party Andrei Dzmitryeu were released i Akrestsin Street.

21.05.2010 Ales Bialiatski: ‘We must take every measure possible to stop the escalation of tension and hysteria created by the authorities ahead of the presidential election’

Earlier this year the Human Rights Center ‘Viasna’ predicted the intensification of the wave of repressions ahead of the presidential election in Belarus. But then the human rights defenders could not have foreseen whether the authorities would use criminal prosecution or repressions would have a hidden character. In what direction is the situation developing? Ales Bialiatski, head of the HRC ‘Viasna’, vice-president of the International Federation of Human Rights, gives his assessment of the events of the recent weeks.

21.05.2010 KGB interested in Homel member of Young Front

A Homel member of 'Young Front' Antos Nazaranka (2-year student of law faculty of Francysk Skaryna state university) has been summoned for an interrogation in KGB today, on May 20. The press secretary of 'Young Front' Stanislau Stesik has informed ERB about it.

21.05.2010 BAJ Demands Violations of the Freedom of Expression to Be Stopped

20 May the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) made a statement in which it expresses its indignation because of a new wave of repressions against the freedom of expression in Belarus. The wave started 18 May with another police raid at offices and private apartments of civil activists.