Young Front activist appeals psychiatric abuse
Aliaksandr Latyshau from Zhlobin filed a complaint with the head of department of health of Homel Regional Executive Committee after he was referred for a psychiatric examination at a mental hospital “in connection with his earlier participation in the Young Front.”
“I disagree to the grounds for referral for a medical examination, since I view this as discrimination on political grounds,” writes Aliaksandr Latyshau in his complaint.
He requests to open an investigation into the use of discrimination, the results of which should give a legal assessment of the conclusions of the district psychiatrist about the state of his health, and his participation in the public association.
“Referral of a recruit to a psychiatric hospital for examination with this wording has nothing to do with common sense. Even if a person has to undergo such an examination, the doctor has no right to link the state of his health to involvement in a particular organization. Here we can see someone’s order with a view to exert pressure on the young man,” says local human rights defender Anatol Paplauny.
An earlier medical examination in a psychiatric hospital of Homel found Aliaksandr Latyshau fit for military service.
The activist has been assisted by the legal advice office of Viasna’s Homel branch.
