The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 16 Jul 2014

16.07.2014 Mahiliou police stop car and seize opposition newspapers

Ihar Barysau, a member of the presidium of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party “Hramada”, says police officers stopped his car and took numerous copies of newspapers. The party member faces a trial and a fine of up to 7.5 mln rubles. The publications were sent for examination, Radio Liberty’s Belarus service said.

16.07.2014 Pope Francis to receive founder of shelter Aliaksei Shchadrou

Aliaksei Shchadrou, founder of a homeless shelter in the village of Aliaksandrauka, Shchuchyn district, who was persecuted by the authorities, is expected to meet with Pope Francis.

16.07.2014 Hrodna Regional Court to hear appeal by freelance journalist Andrei Mialeshka on July 24

Andrei Mialeshka, a freelance journalist from Hrodna, continues his struggle for the right to impart information. The member of the Belarusian Association of Journalists has appealed against the decision of the court of Kastrychnitski district to the Hrodna Regional Court. The complaint will be considered on July 24.

16.07.2014 Police charge wife of critical blogger in Babruisk

A blogger from Babruisk, Aleh Zhalnou, says that on July 15 he visited the Investigative Committee’s office as a witness.

16.07.2014 Kalinkavichy activist Dzianis Rabianok to complain to UN Human Rights Committee against unfair justice

Dzianis Rabianok, an activist of the United Civil Party from the town of Kalinkavichy, has been unable to find justice for more than a year and a half. Recently, he received a response to his complaint from the Supreme Court, which upheld the decision of the district court of Kalinkavichy.

16.07.2014 Slonim authorities ban anti-alcohol picket

Ivan Bedka, a member of the Belarusian Christian Democracy’s Slonim branch, applied for holding a picket asking for official permission of the Slonim District Executive Committee. The picket was supposed to attract public attention to the problems of excessive use of alcohol and tobacco in Slonim.

16.07.2014 Amnesty International Netherlands: ‘Overjoyed’ by Ales Bialiatski’s release, will continue struggling for Mikalai Statkevich and Eduard Lobau (photo)

Ales Bialiatski, head of the Human Rights Center “Viasna”, has received a letter from the Dutch branch of Amnesty International, who organized a bright campaign in support of the Belarusian human rights defender during his imprisonment.