Chairman of Homel Regional Court amazes with illiteracy

Mazyr human rights activist Uladzimir Tseliapun received a reply to his appeal from the Chairman of the Homel Regional Court Siarhei Shautsou. In December 2013, the chairman of the court received citizens in Mazyr, and the local human rights activist asked him some important questions. For example, he wondered whether international and constitutional norms were applied in Belarusian courts and, particularly, in the courts of the Homel region. This question stemmed from a situation of 2011-2012 when Uladzimir Tseliapun tried to hold a picket banned by the authorities, and then attempted to achieve the realization of his rights guaranteed by the Constitution through the judicial system. The courts did not react to the actions of Mazyr police and the town’s medics, who refused to enter into agreements provided for by the Law "On Mass Events" and a decision of the executive committee. Siarhei Shautsou asked to send him all the necessary documents, which was done by the human rights activist. The response received on January 15 says that courts had acted lawfully. Speaking about the international treaties, the Constitution and the law on mass events, the Chairman’s reply is simply incomprehensible.

“The responses, decisions and rulings of previous courts suggest that the courts are not within power to verify the legitimacy of the decision-making of local authorities, and the order to implement these decisions by government-run bodies (police department, hospital and public utilities service). The general courts in no way mentioned Belarus’ failure to implement the ratified international treaties. The Supreme Court recommended the Homel Regional Court to dismiss the case and reject my appeal, that is to refuse my legitimate claim to observe the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Uladzimir Tseliapun. According to him, the response from the Chairman of the Regional Court disputes the country’s recognition of the priority of universally recognized principles of international law. “The Basic Law of Belarus is an empty declaration of rights and freedoms for citizens of Belarus and the international community,” concludes the human rights activist.