Baran: Democratic Activists Get Police Bring Criminal Case on Libels Distributed during Election Race

06.02.2007

https://spring96.org./en/news/16504 2007 2007-02-06T10:00:00+0200 2007-02-06T10:00:00+0200 1970-01-01T03:00:00+0300 en The Human Rights Center “Viasna” The Human Rights Center “Viasna” The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

The Human Rights Center “Viasna”

Source: www.charter97.org

Four independent candidates were running in the last election campaign to local Soviets in the town of Baran near Vorsha. Before the vote unknown persons distributed leaflets with false and insulting information about the independent candidates. Local policemen refused to receive the collective petition of the four candidates about insult of their honor and dignity. However, as it turned out now, a criminal action has been brought up.

RFE/RL called Major of Baran district police department Mikhail Hlebau who started investigatory actions.

’Naturally, we have received documents, and an examination is taking place. An official answer would be given. I rather think it was a violation of the Election Code. There are no obvious offences, so most likely Administrative Code would be employed,’ Mikhail Hlebau said.