The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 19 Nov 2010

19.11.2010 Hrodna prosecutor’s office puts pressure on youth leader

Ales Kirkevich, deputy chair of the Young Front unregistered youth movement and activist of Vital Rymasheuski’s campaign team, has been summoned to Hrodna prosecutor’s office. During a conversation with Volha Kleshchanka, assistant to prosecutor of Hrodna region, the activist was told that he had been summoned to the prosecuting authorities following a complaint lodged by the mother of another activist, who had been allegedly forced to participate in an unregistered organization by Kirkevich.

19.11.2010 BAJ suggests PACE to conduct hearings on freedom of media in Belarus

The representative of the Belarusian Association of Journalists Andrej Aliaksandrau suggested to conduct special hearings dedicated to freedom of media in Belarus, during the session of the PACE Political Affairs Committee on November 18.

19.11.2010 ‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’: there are no changes on essential issues

On 19 November, representatives of the ‘Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections’ election observation campaign Aleh Hulak and Valiantsin Stefanovich held a press-conference, stating that the results of nomination and registration of presidential candidates are very disputable.

19.11.2010 Maladechna: state-run media keep canvassing for Lukashenka

Maladechna state-run newspapers have been engaged in indirect propaganda in favour of the current President, paying too little attention to covering the election progress, say local observers.

19.11.2010 Minsk Court turns down complaint against picket ban

Minsk Maskouski Court has dismissed a complaint against a ban on holding a picket imposed by the city executive committee. The picket’s objective was to draw public attention to mass violations of criminal and procedural legislation, including groundless detentions of civil activists in early September 2010.

19.11.2010 Orsha canvassing venues extremely unfavourable

Orsha town executive committee has issued decision #1710, enumerating the list of authorized canvassing locations for presidential candidates. There are 14 authorized venues, in total. Most of them are unpopular places on the outskirts of the town.