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Statement of the Helsinki Committee in Poland
“Bitter accusations and moral blackmail directed at people that hold different opinions, the embarrassing battles waged through the use of investigative committees, claims to having a monopoly on the truth and moral authority – these are the phenomena that have escalated during the recent months and are the cause of our serious concern. An atmosphere is being created that is conducive to the violation of basic rights” warnes Helsinki Committee in Poland. (24-MAR-06)
The new US Department of State report on Poland
On 8 March the US Department of State published a report concerning the observance of human rights in the Republic of Poland in 2005. According to this report Republic of Poland is a country in which civil rights are generally being observed, there are however certain areas, in which violations do occur. (17-MAR-06)
HFHR speaks out in defence of refugees from Chechnya
Letter by the HFHR Board regarding refugees from the Chechen Republic to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (10-MAR-06)
Open letter to Prime Minister of Poland
Open letter by the HFHR Board regarding “secret prisons” to the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (03-MAR-06)
The festival in Lublin has been called off!
The Board of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR) has decided to call off the 4thTraveling Film Festival “Human Rights in Film” in Lublin, scheduled for 22 – 26 February 2006. This was due to the fact that the Chancellor of the Marie Curie-Sk³odowska University (UMCS) issued a ban on the presentation of the exhibition “T-shirt for Freedom”, which was planned as a supporting event by the local organizers of the festival. (24-FEB-06)
Minsk and Warsaw – A common cause
On 16 February demonstrations of support for democratic transformation in the Republic of Belarus were held once again in most cities throughout Republic of Poland. The campaigns were organized by Polish non-governmental organizations. Their participants called on the president of Republic of Belarus to ensure that the elections scheduled for 19 March are free and democratic. (24-FEB-06)
Appeal to the governing bodies
Since 3 February the Board of the Association Initiative 33 and the members of the editorial staff of the magazine “Kontrateksty” have been collecting signatures under an appeal to the governing bodies for moderation and caution in making political changes and amendments to legal regulations. The appeal results from the concern caused by the policy performed by the authorities chosen during the fall parliamentary and presidential elections. (10-FEB-06)
The Polish Parliament has elected a new Ombudsman
On 27 January 2006 the Polish Sejm elected Doctor of Law Janusz Kochanowski to the post of Ombudsman. The Sejm’s decision has already been approved by the Senate and the new Ombudsman will take office after being sworn in. (03-FEB-06)
HFHR as the amicus curiae before the Constitutional Tribunal
On 16 January, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights as the first non-government organization appeared as amicus curiae (friend of the court’) in a trail held before the Constitutional Tribunal. During the hearing of the constitutional complaint filed by Tomasz D. the HFHR was represented by Professor Andrzej Rzeplinski, see picture. (20-JAN-06)