The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

News for 21 Nov 2014

21.11.2014 Svetlahorsk officials ban picket on rights of persons with disabilities

Civil society activists Yury Liashenka was not allowed to hold a picket, which was scheduled for November 22 at the central square of Svetlahorsk. The activist intended to raise public awareness and to protest against discrimination against persons with disabilities during the renovation of a residential building in Lenin Street.

21.11.2014 Babruisk: Picketing location busy for indefinite period

Members of the UCP’s Babruisk office petitioned the city authorities asking for permission to hold between 20 and 24 November a series of pickets against the deployment of a Russian military base. The activists believe that the appearance of the base is contrary to Article 18 of the Constitution.

21.11.2014 Activist awaits trial for memorial action in Svislach

Aliaksandr Mekh, activist of the Belarusian Popular Front, visited today the Kobryn district police department. The visit dealt with the case of participation in an unsanctioned rally in the town of Svislach on October 26. In reality, it was a traditional action in memory of the rebels of the 1863-1864 anti-Russian uprising, which is held annually in Svislach, Hrodna region. Participants of the event visit the grave of Viktar Kalinouski, brother of the uprising leader Kastus Kalinouski, laying flowers at places connected with the uprising.

21.11.2014 Mahiliou Regional Court turns down appeal by independent journalist

On November 20, the Mahiliou Regional Court heard an appeal lodged by independent journalist Aliaksandr Burakou against the Court of Mahiliou’s Leninski district, who sentenced him to a fine of 6 mln rubles for violation of legislation on mass media (Art. 22.9, Part 2 of the Administrative Code, “illegal manufacture and distribution of media products”).

21.11.2014 Trade union activist jailed for two days after asking for complaint book

Aliaksandr Vaitseshyk, legal inspector of the independent trade union of radio-electronic industry (REP) from Baranavichy has been unexpectedly sentenced to two days in jail.

21.11.2014 Brest activists ask prosecutor’s office to check work of local MPs

Activists of the civil initiative “Social Office” have written to the Prosecutor’s Office with a request to investigate the actions of the deputies of the Brest City Council, who have not responded to a petition on behalf of the citizens.

21.11.2014 UN Human Rights Committee rules in favor of Homel activist

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has found numerous violations of the right to disseminate information against a United Civil Party activist from Homel Uladzimir Niapomniashchykh. The Committee recommends the Belarusian authorities to restore the activist’s rights, to compensate for all the costs incurred, as well as to change the law “On Mass Events”.