The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 30 Jul 2012

30.07.2012 Employees of Slutsk state-owned organizations prevented from signing for alternative candidate

The administrations of a number of state-owned enterprises and organizations of Slutsk district have prohibited their employees to give their signatures for alternative candidate Aliaksandr Shylovich.

30.07.2012 Pro-government candidate in Shklou uses administrative pressure to canvass for votes

Aliaksandr Aheyeu, deputy chair of the Committee of State Control, who is running for Parliament in constituency No. 90 in the town of Shklou, has abused his power to force campaigners to secure the necessary amount of votes, says an anonymous member of his election group.

30.07.2012 Report on Monitoring Election Results: July 23rd -29th

July 25th was the final day of registration of the initiative groups for signature collection in support of the candidates’ nomination. 85 initiative groups (in support of 15 potential candidates) were rejected registration. The number of registration denials this time is almost 4 times higher than during the previous parliamentary election. The overwhelming majority of the initiative groups in support of the oppositional candidates were registered.

30.07.2012 Mahiliou police disperse international camp

Mahiliou police have reportedly ordered to raise a camp arranged by young Social Democrats attended by some 50 guests, including foreign nationals.

30.07.2012 Reporters Without Borders condemns journalist Vital Ruhayn’s arrest in Minsk

“Vital Ruhayn’s arrest is indicative of the regime’s sensitivities about matters related – closely or otherwise – to the Minsk bombing and national security,” Reporters Without Borders said. “A journalist should not be arrested for highlighting police violations of security regulations. We call for the withdrawal of the trumped-up charges brought against him.”

30.07.2012 Brest Regional Court upholds dismissal of trade union leader

Brest Regional Court has ruled to uphold an earlier decision by Luninets District Court on a complaint lodged by Mikalai Karyshau, leader of the independent trade union at the Granite state-owned enterprise, following his dismissal in March 2012.

30.07.2012 Nash Dom activist to stand trial for propaganda of violence

On 31 July, Orsha Town Court is expected to open the hearing of the administrative charges brought against Mrs. Yana Liasneuskaya, activist of the Nash Dom civil campaign, for alleged propaganda of violence and cruelty.