Authorities Concerned about Any Independent Source of Information

Today morning at Homel plant of starting engines a police officer drew up a report on human rights activist Anatol Paplauny for violation of Art. 172 of the Code of Administrative Infringements (distribution of printed materials directed at damaging the state and public order).

In the morning the plant deputy director for personnel, ideology and safety A. V. Menchukou and senior inspector of Savetski police departmentI.U. Tsiatserych had official conversations with the foreman, master, and 2 workers of the tool room.

The ground for the conversation was appearance of 2 copies of Svaboda newspaper at a working place of one of the workers.

As a result of the conversation the police officer drew up a report on Anatol Paplauny, the plant’s leading specialist, for distribution of printed materials. Article 172 of the Code of Administrative Infringements provides for a fine of up to 5 units (about 70 USD) and seizure of the printed matter. The decision is to be made by an administrative commission.

“The authorities and the factory administration are really afraid of independent information”, -- Anatol Paplauny says. – “They are really concerned about any unofficial source of information available for workers”.