The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 21 Aug 2012

21.08.2012 Brest observer denied right to monitor signature verification

Brest observer Uladzimir Vialichkin registered at local constituency election commission No. 2 has not been allowed attending the commission’s sitting where signatures submitted for potential candidates are expected to be verified.

21.08.2012 Mahiliou state-owned press engaged in early election campaigning

The issue of Mahiliou-based “Vesnik Mahiliova” state-owned newspaper of 15 August features an article “The Secrets of Success Are Easy”, promoting Mrs. Liudmila Starastsina, head of local school running for Parliament in constituency No. 86.

21.08.2012 Vitsebsk authorities ban 15 pickets for election boycott

Vitsebsk executive authorities have banned fifteen pickets applied for by local activists of the Conservative Christian Party “Belarusian Popular Front”, saying that campaigning for election boycott has nothing to do with the current elections.

21.08.2012 Kobryn: state-run newspaper promotes pro-government candidate

The Kobryn-based “Narodnaya Trybuna” state-owned newspaper has launched a campaign of election advertising of Aliaksandr Zazulia, member of the House of Representatives who is running for Parliament in local constituency No. 12 again, despite the fact that the Electoral Code prohibits campaigning until the parliamentary hopefuls are officially registered as candidates.

21.08.2012 Hrodna observers denied access to sittings of election commissions

Several independent observers registered in the constituency election commissions of Hrodna region will not be able to monitor the verification of signatures submitted for potential candidates’ nominations, after their applications were dismissed by local election officials.

21.08.2012 Vitebsk journalist accused of collaboration with foreign media

However, this media was closed 10 years ago. Member of the "BAJ" Alena Stsiapanava was accused of collaboration with the foreign media, which does not exist since 2002, reports the press service of BAJ.

21.08.2012 Salihorsk observer demands to disclose data on formation of election commissions

Leanid Markhotka, leader of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee’s Salihorsk office, keeps urging local authorities to provide information on nominations to local constituency election commissions, submitting another complaint to Minsk regional executive committee.

21.08.2012 5 members of political parties go into Central Election Commission

Five representatives of Belarusian political parties have become members of the Central Election Commission, including the Fair World Party, the UCP and the Belarusian Popular Front. According to the CEC’s press-service, they will have the right of an advisory vote.

21.08.2012 Amnesty International: Men released on bail still face prison

After spending more than a month in detention, Anton Suryapin and Syarhei Basharimau were released on bail on 17 August. They still face a prison sentence of up to seven years on charges in connection to the ‘teddy bear stunt’ by Swedish advertising company calling for freedom of expression in Belarus.

21.08.2012 German MP: charge against Anton Surapin must be completely withdrawn

20. August 2012 – Release of Anton Suryapin Photographer Anton Suryapin and another young man, Siarhei Basharymau, who were arrested by the KGB following the July 4 teddy bear drop were released on 17 August on their own recognizance.

21.08.2012 Does Article 441 of the Criminal Code implement its function in penal colonies?

Article 441 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, “Malignant insubordination to the administration of the correctional facility which executes the punishment in the form of deprivation of liberty” is a reliable means to exercise pressure and “re-educate” prisoners, used by the administration of the Belarusian penal colonies. However, does this article really implement the functions which were given to it by the legislators?