News on 29.01.2008

29.01.2008

Regime continues war with market vendors 6

17:12, — Politics

Aliaksandr Tsastura and Larysa Nasovich, leaders of entrepreneurs’ movement were sentenced to 15 days of arrest by the Saligorsk district court on 29 January. The judgement was read by Alyaksandr Burautsou.

Speaker of parliament fearing of fair election 14

16:25, — Politics

After announcement of the supposed term of parliamentary election in Belarus (September – October this year), the authorities representatives began to make statements, demonstrating their fear of fair open voting.

Lukashenka’s visit to Zhodzina to be remembered for long

15:38, — Politics

Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s visit to Zhodzina’s open joint-stock company Svitanak which took place on January 25, was an unpleasant surprise for citizens. They were driven into yards, ordered to close windows, while oppositionists were accompanied by policemen.

Who is bothered by home networks?

14:35, — hi-tech

The response to the reports about a program of liquidation of illegally constructed home computer networks in Minsk cannot be called pleased.

Zyanon Paznyak: I come back to Belarus soon (video) 105

14:05, — Politics

Zyanon Paznyak, leader of the Conservative Christian Party of the Belarusian Popular Front, was invited to the program “Guest at Belsat” on the satellite channel Belsat.

BNF party leader urges to stop victimization of Zmitser Zhaleznichenka 4

13:53, — Politics

The chairman of the Belarusian Popular Front party (BNF) Lyavon Barshcheuski has addressed Defense Minister Leanid Maltsau and Education Minister Alyaksandr Radzkou. He urges to stop prosecution of the student of Homel State University Zmitser Zhaleznichenka.

When will Lidiya Yarmoshina retire? 14

13:40, — Politics

Lidiya Yarmoshina, head of the Central Election Committee for Election and Referenda (CEC), celebrates her 55th birthday. Yarmoshina was appointed head of the Central Election Committee by Lukashenka’s degree on 6 December, 1996 for the first time and was reappointed twice (in December 2001 and 2006). After election to the “house of representatives” 2004, the EU included Yarmoshina into the ban list of Belarusian officials restricted to entry the EU for rigging the election results.

Citizens do not want to be poisoned by toxic chemical 11

12:22, — society

More than 400 citizens of two settlements protest against construction of a plant of toxic chemicals in Pukhavichy district.

No free places in Palace of Republic for unwanted entrepreneurs 12

11:28, — Politics

A business conference “On Development Problems of Business and Improving Business Climate in the republic of Belarus” is held to day in the Palace of the Republic in Minsk. But entrepreneurs’ leaders, who organised protest actions on 10 and 21 January, were not allowed to the conference.

Belarusian customs introducing electronic declarations

11:14, — hi-tech

State Customs Committee of Belarus announced its intention to implement the system of electronic goods declaration till the end of 2008. Software development is coming to an end now.

Belarus to raise pay for Russian oil products transportation 2

10:44, — Economics

The Belarusian government is considering an opportunity of increase in tariff of Russian oil products transportation.

Polish border staff returns to work, freight traffic moving again

10:10, — in the world

Polish customs officials returned to normal working hours on Tuesday, bringing a possible end to a five-day strike that had stranded thousands of lorries and rail cars on borders with Belarus, Ukraine and Russia's Kaliningrad province.

Activist Beaten up in Prison Charged with Attacking Policeman

10:00, — Politics

Syarhei Parsyukevich, released from Minsk center of isolation of criminals after an arrest for participation in a protest rally of market vendors on January 10, was to address doctors immediately.

Minsk demonstrates solidarity with political prisoners (Photo)

9:31, — Politics

An action of solidarity with political prisoners was held near the underground station “Pushkinskaya” on 28 January. 19 JEANS activists held portraits of Tatyana Tishkevich and Paval Kuryanovich sentenced to 20 days of arrest for participation in the actions on 10 and 16 January.

George Bush: «US supporting freedom in Belarus» 19

9:09, — Politics

George Bush said in his annual State of the Union address the US is supporting freedom in Belarus. “America is supporting freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma,” the US president said.

Campaign against tortures in prisons started in Belarus 1

8:50, — Politics

The democratic forces of Belarus have started a campaign for creating due conditions in the detention center in Akrestsin Street in Minsk. Today’s conditions of incarceration of mostly political prisoners are more like tortures, as said by human rights watchdogs.