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Polish journalist fined and harassed in Belarus
Andrzej Poczobut (Andrei Pachobut) of Polish “Gazeta Wyborcza” was fined by court in Hrodna for reporting on the meeting of the Union of Poles in the Republic of Belarus. Two weeks ago he was denied the press accreditation.
Analysis: Freedom of Organisation in Belarus
More than a half of all NGOs, which actually function in the Republic of Belarus, are unregistered. It means their activists work under the “sword of Damocles”, risking criminal prosecution every day. Still, they encounter a great deal of trouble in attempts to legalise their activities.
Call for applications – Bring International Standards Home
Open call for applications for 2009-2010 training for Belarusian lawyers and human rights defenders on international human rights law. The deadline is 31 March 2009.
The Belarusian Solidarity Day: “Liberation”
On 16 March 2009, the Belarusian Solidarity Day, the Human Rights House in Vilnius and the United Center of Initiatives for Belarus invite you to the screening of “Liberation” and meeting with the film director and its main characters.
Test negative
The Belarusian regime proves immune to liberalisation. NGO “Nasha Viasna” was officially denied registration which was awaited by the human rights defenders as a litmus test of change in the Republic of Belarus.
Belarusian third sector: the main goals are unification and legalisation
VI Assembly of non-governmental organisations and initiatives will take place in Minsk on 6-7 March. Representatives of more than 300 NGOs from all over the country and about 50 foreign guest were invited.
Analysis: new political prisoners in Belarus
Human rights defenders and officials disagree upon today’s “political prisoners” in the Republic of Belarus: are they a tool in bargaining with the West or usual criminals? HRH Republic of Belarus offers a review of recent month’s facts and opinions.
No comment for a non-state paper!
Journalists of “Hazeta Slonimskaya” should not expect official information about any incidents in Slonim (town in Hrodna region, West of Belarus) or around. Comments are forbidden to the only independent local newspaper by “authorities’ verbal direction”.
Belarus: Use of force against demonstrators condemned
In a letter to the Belarusian president Lukashenka, a coalition of 39 members of the Human Rights House Network have condemned the use of force and violence against peaceful demonstrators on both 14 February and 16 February. The signatories were also urged not to prevent peaceful actions, meetings and demonstrations.