Uladzimir Labkovich: “BPF members are targets of political persecution”

The criminal charges brought against Belarusian Popular Front members Ales Kalita, Siarhei Semianiuk and Maksim Hubarevich should be considered as “politically motivated harassment”, says Viasna activist Uladzimir Labkovich.

“Today, we can see an attempt to frame up a criminal case. Numerous witnesses say the alleged victim’s actions were a provocation, as he tried to fight everyone who entered the BPF office, using foul language. He also said he had contacts with the police and that he knew what he was doing”, says the human rights defender.

“I do hope the persons who invented the provocation will be reasonable enough to drop the charges in the shortest time possible, as it might then indicate that the authorities are beginning to use direct rigging of cases”, says Uladzimir Labkovich.