Homel pro-dem activist appeals fine at UN Human Rights Committee

Homel opposition activist Uladzimir Niapomniashchykh has submitted an individual complaint to the UN Human Rights Committee against a fine received by the activist for alleged violation of peaceful assembly restriction in 2011.

The complaint was submitted after Homel Regional Court and the Supreme Court dismissed the activist’s appeals against the conviction.

“With no sound explanations at all, I believe that my conviction for disseminating information on future mass events is not an adequate measure for the sake of protection of public order and national security. Thus, I can conclude that my rights guaranteed by Art. 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights were violated,” says Uladzimir Niapomniashchykh.

The activist urges the Committee to recommend the Belarusian government to bring the national legislation, namely Art. 8 and 10 of the Mass Events Code, in line with the country’s international obligations under Art. 19 and 21 of the Covenant.