The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 20 Jan 2014

20.01.2014 CEC to reconsider registration of two nominations

On January 20, Mikalai Ulasevich, an activist from the town of Varniany, was notified by the Central Election Commission that on January 21 it would hold a meeting to review the registration of Ulasevich’s two nomination teams enforced by Astravets District Election Commission.

20.01.2014 Hrodna Regional Court confirms picket ban

On January 20, Hrodna Regional Court considered an appeal lodged by local human rights defenders Viktar Sazonau, Uladzimir Khilmanovich and Raman Yurhel to challenge a decision of Leninski District Court. The latter recognized legality of the executive committee’s refusal to hold a picket to inform about the situation with the death penalty in Belarus on October 10, 2013.

20.01.2014 Opposition activist Zmitser Dashkevich’s trial scheduled for January 30

The trial of prominent opposition activist Zmitser Dashkevich, who is accused of violating the terms of “preventive police supervision,” will take place in the Pershamayski District Court in Minsk on January 30.

20.01.2014 Mazyr: Officials go to local councils by collecting signatures

The Mazyr District Election Commission has registered 46 teams formed to nominate candidates for members of the District Council. According to local observer Uladzimir Tseliapun, a meeting of the Election Commission was held on January 17, and all the electoral teams were registered, as a result.

20.01.2014 Judge hears appeals against self: result is predictable

A resident of Mahiliou, Vasil Lipski, is appealing a number of decisions issued by First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court. The activist sent his complaint to the Court’s Chairman Valiantsin Sukala.

20.01.2014 Biaroza: Only 2 independent nominations in 27 constituencies

The Biaroza District Election Commission has registered only two electoral teams of potential candidates for local councils members, as the stage of registration has come to an end.

20.01.2014 HRHN members call upon President Yanukovych to veto law violating rights

In their joint letter to President Viktor Yanukovych, members of the Human Rights House Network (HRHN) call upon him to veto a law adopted by the parliament on 16 January 2014 violating most fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly, as well as basic rights to associate and work for a non-governmental organisation, including the right to be a human rights defender.