The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 20 Nov 2014

20.11.2014 Political prisoner Mikalai Dziadok faces one more year in prison

On November 20, it was reported that a criminal case was opened against political prisoner Mikalai Dziadok under Part 1, Article 411 of the Criminal Code - willful disobedience of the lawful demands of the administration of the correctional institution. As a result, he may be sentenced to one more year of imprisonment.

20.11.2014 On Judge Palulekh’s code of ethics

On the eve of the hearing of an appeal by activist Yury Rubtsou, who was convicted on criminal charges of “insulting the judge”, human rights activists draw attention to the identity of the “victim” in the case – Judge Kiryl Palulekh of the Court of Minsk’s Savetski district.

20.11.2014 Three more trials expected over photos in Vitsebsk

According to the Vitsebsk police, there were seven participants in an unsanctioned rally – these were the persons whom the police somehow could identify in the photographs. A human rights activist, three journalists, two civil society activists and an unidentified passerby who liked the idea of being photographed near the closed house of culture.

20.11.2014 Rights of BPF activist violated, says UN Human Rights Committee

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has found a violation of the right to peaceful assembly and information in the case of BPF member Siarhei Lazenka. The activist sent his individual communication back in 2008.

20.11.2014 Another activist faces charges over unsanctioned rally in Svislach

On November 18, Anton Mekh, 17, son of activist Aliaksandr Mekh from Kobryn, received a summons from a police officer, saying that he would have to visit the police department over an unauthorized rally in Svislach.

20.11.2014 Asipovichy officials hunt “parasites”

A working group has been formed in Asipovichy district to intensify the monitoring of unemployed people. The group aims at “meeting the demands of the head of state to adopt stringent measures to eliminate dependency and parasitism, implementing the provisions of Article 56 of the Constitution, providing for the obligation of citizens to participate in the financing of public expenses,” according to the website of the newspaper Asipovitski Krai.