On 8 May 2007 five activists were charged based on article 193.1 of the Criminal Code in Belarus. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation are of the opinion that this practice contradicts the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus. It also constitutes a gross violation of human rights, in particular the right to freedom of association, expression of views and of convictions. (12-MAY-07)
Written by Nina Luhr/ HRH Oslo
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation have therefore issued a statement that suggest that the charges against the five activists, Barys Haretski, Dzmitry Khvedaruk, Aleh Korban, Nasta Palazhanka and Aliaksei Yanusheuski, are politically motivated. The article 193.1 of the Criminal code in Belarus opens up for imprisoning people who organize or participate in activity of a religious, public organization, which didn’t undergo state organization, for up to 2 years. We, the undersigned, are seriously concerned about the way that the punishment of public activists infringes the right to association guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
We therefore call on the Belarusian authorities to stop criminal persecution of these activists, release other political prisoners and put the criminal legislation in line with the international human rights norms. We also take this opportunity to remind Belarusian authorities that such persecution contradicts severely Belarus’ bid to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council later this month.
Read the statement
