Polish authorities and nongovernmental organizations are speaking up for the Belarusian oppositionist Alexander Kazulin, who has remained in prison since March 2006. At the end of 2006, wishing to draw the attention of the international public opinion, Alexander Kazulin began a hunger strike that lasted 54 days and left him extremely exhausted. Belarusian authorities are not allowing doctors from the International Red Cross to see him. (23-FEB-07)
Written by Marta Lempicka/HRH Warsaw
Alexander Kazulin was sent to prison based on a verdict sentencing him for “hooliganism” and “organizing mass campaigns that violated public order”. The accusations, court proceedings and conditions, in which he was placed, violate international human rights standards. Amnesty International considered him a prisoner of conscience.
On 21 February, the Polish Senate adopted a resolution, in which it demands the release of the Belarusian oppositionist Alexander Kazulin. The Free Belarus Initiative prepared an open letter to the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko demanding the immediate release of Alexander Kazulin and the opportunity for International Red Cross doctors to examine him. Anyone can sign this letter. The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights also sent a letter to the President of Belarus appealing for the release of Alexander Kazulin, as well as other prisoners of conscience.
Further information at: www.uwolnickazulina.pl
The HFHR’s letter to the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in English and in Russian
