Belarusian Authorities Interfere with Activity of Union of Poles in Belarus

Hrodna Leninski Court rehabilitated the editor of Glos znad Niemna newspaper who
had been fired by the organizational board of the newspaper’s founder, Union of Poles in Belarus, in accordance with the rules of the organization’s statute. At the same time, the Ministry of Justice found incompetent the union’s last assembly, at which the new head of the organization was elected. (13-MAY-2005)

In the middle of April the Board of the Union of Poles in Belarus fired Andrei Dubikouski from the position of the chief editor of Glos znad Niemna newspaper. Dubikouski was fired because the newspapers circulation decreased under his rule and the newspaper began to play less interest to life of Poles in Belarus. Instead, the board appointed Andzhei Pisalnik to be the editor. Three newspaper numbers were issued after this appointment. Belarusian officials stated Dubikouski was a good editor and it was a wrong step to fire him. As a result, Hrodna Leninski borough court decided to rehabilitate Andrei Dubikouski at his former position and obliged the editorial staff to compensate the harm and the court expenses to him. The total sum is about 1 000 000 rubles.
    
According to the Board of the Union of Poles, by its verdict the court created a dangerous precedent that can paralyze the organization. The organization board stated they would complain against the court verdict and suspend the issue of the newspaper till the superior court instances decide on the legality of Andrei Dubikouski’s rehabilitation at the editor’s position. One of the reasons for the suspension is also the loss the newspaper experienced as a result of the payment of compensation to Andrei Dubikouski.
    
Andzhelika Borys says she would obey if the court doesn’t change its decision to return Dubikouski to the editor’s position. In this case she would establish the press department of the Union of Poles that will be headed by Andzhei Pisalnik.
    
On 12 May it became known that the authorities took one more step against the Union of Poles in Belarus — the Ministry of Justice found illegal its sixth assembly that took place in Hrodna two months ago. It means that the assembly decisions and the new administration that was elected there lose their power. Furthermore, the Ministry recommended to the former chair of the Union of Poles Tadevush Kruchkouski to hold a new assembly within two-weeks’ term, which can make the situation even more complicated.

According to Paviel Mazheika