News on 30.01.2008

30.01.2008

Former police major beaten by former colleagues (photo) 17

17:11, — Politics

Vitebsk entrepreneur Syarhei Parsyukevich, released after arrest for participation in the rally of entrepreneurs, had to consult a doctor. He was beaten brutally by an officer of the detention center on 21 January. “If I hadn’t broken loose and cried for help, they would have killed me,” former police major Parsyukevich said to the Charter’97 press center.

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

17:05, — 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.

One more participant of protest rally released

15:46, — Politics

Youth activist Tatyana Tsishkevich was released from the special prison facility. Though she, as other political prisoners, was released some hours before her term expired, the solemn ceremony wasn’t broken, because her friends had been waiting for her near the prison since morning.

Jewish Historians “forgotten” in Belarus

14:25, — Society

In the reference book “Historians of Belarus in the beginning of the 21st century” does not include names of Jewish historians living in exile, but who still write a lot about Belarus. It makes the book not a reliable one scientifically, believes Yakau Basin, a historian and human rights watchdog.

Navumau threatening punishment on entrepreneurs (video)

13:47, — Politics

50 people may be brought to justice for participation in the unauthorised action held in Minsk on 10 January, minister of internal affairs Uladzimir Navumau said.

Finance Minister: Belarus Needs Russian loan

10:57, — Economics

Finance Minister of Belarus Mikalay Korbut has confirmed Belarus interest in attracting new Russian stabilization loan.

Minsk Automobile Plant sold to Deripaska? 28

10:30, — Economics

The Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) might have been sold to the Russian oligarch. A buyer is probably Oleg Deripaska, a Vladimir Putin’s close friend.

Kastus Akula Died

10:06, — Society

Kastus Akula, a well-know personality of Belarusian expatriate community, a talented writer, poet and playwright, died yesterday in Canada in the age of 83.

Youth Council pushes for democracy in Belarus

10:04, — Politics

The Nordic Youth Council calls on the Nordic Council to exert pressure for democratic reforms in Belarus. The youth politicians are also calling for discrimination against the disabled and ethnic minorities to be put on the Nordic agenda.

Liquidation of Communists 4

9:56, — Politics

On January 30 the Supreme Court of Belarus starts hearing in the case of liquidation of the oppositional Communist party. The Justice Ministry filed a suit. In August activities of the oppositional Communist party were suspended for half a year. According to the Justice Ministry, Communists ignored that ruling and continued to be engaged in political life.

Belarus to take Poland to court over border problems

9:50, — Society

During a meeting with Foreign Minster Radoslaw Sikorski in Kiev yesterday, Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko announced that he expects "a rapid end to the Polish customs officials protest, which has paralyzed the Eastern border."

Prison for national flag? 7

9:22, — Politics

Barys Khamaida and Alyaksandr Salauyan, democratic activists from Vitebsk, were detained yesterday. They spent the night in the remand jail.

Commemoration action in Kurapaty (video)

9:21, — Society

About 20 public activists came to the memorial to victims of Stalin’s repression in Kurapaty, on the Minsk skirts, on 29 January to commemorate the repressed people. They laid flowers to the memorial and lightened candles.

Progress in democratization will determine Belarus’ relations with EU

9:05, — Politics

Progress in democratization will determine Belarus’ relations with the European Union, Christiane Hohmann, spokeswoman for the EU external relations commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said in an interview with BelaPAN.

Young activists demand release of political prisoners 1

9:03, — Politics

On January 30 the 20-day term of arrest of JEANS initiative activist Tatsyana Tsishkevich. She was detained on January 10 after the protest rally of entrepreneurs. She was brutally beaten up by policemen during the detention. Judge Mikalay Samasejka sentenced Tatsyana to an administrative arrest for 20 days.