News on 17.04.2008

17.04.2008

At “Process of Fourteen” Judge Prohibited Policeman to Speak Belarusian 22

15:57, — Politics

The trial over participants of the protest of small businessmen on January 10 continues in the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk. Questions asked in Belarusian were answered in Belarusian by a traffic policeman Alyaksandr Subach. However Judge Alena Illyina told him to speak Russian.

Belarusian MFA is waiting 5

15:18, — Politics

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus hasn’t received a reply to its demand on cutting staff of the U.S. embassy in Minsk. Andrei Papou, MFA spokesman, said it on briefing on 17 April answering journalists’ questions.

United Civil Party may have congress in BPF office or on October Square 2

14:27, — Politics

The 11th congress of the United Civil Party (UCP) is to take place in the office of the Belarusian Popular Front Party in Minsk on 20 April. This decision was taken 17 April on the session of the UCP political council, which discussed the situation concerning mass rejects to allow office for a congress.

Detentions for solidarity action in Vitsebsk

13:26, — Politics

17-year-old Viktorya and Krystina Chyzh sisters and Yulia Mikhailava were taken to Kastrychnitski district militia department from Freedom Square. Yesterday, 16 April, the Vitsebsk oppositional youth organised there an action of solidarity with political prisoners.

Christos Pourgourides: “There are specific proofs of Belarusian regime’s implication in abductions”

12:55, — Politics

On April 15 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved the resolution which among other things calls upon Belarus to reverse Article of the Criminal Code which envisages accountability for activities on behalf of an unregistered organization. Cyprus MP Christos Pourgourides, who has prepared a report on abuse of the criminal justice system in Belarus for the PACE Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights on has answered questions of Radio Svaboda.

Ales Straltsou: “Policeman told that he was instructed to put on plainclothes and be among demonstrators” 3

12:29, — Politics

Today in the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk the second day of the “Process of Fourteen” goes on. Defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Performance in Moscow: Belarus was freed from cage (Photo, video) 3

11:05, — Politics

On April 16 a meeting was held in the framework of the Day of Solidarity with victims of political repressions in Belarus organized by youth movements “Inititsiativa”, “Oborona” and others. Policemen allowed holding the rally with difficulties.

Belarusians in America picketed Belarusian embassy in Washington (Photo) 1

10:39, — Politics

Members of the Belarusian diaspora, as well as other Washington dwellers and guests welcomed Pope Benedict XVI, who paid his first visit to the U.S. After pontiff’s motorcade drove down the streets of the U.S. capital, the activists went to the building of the Belarusian embassy, where a traditional action of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners was held.

Belarusian KGB head offered to play toys, not human destinies (Photo) 1

9:50, — Politics

Solidarity actions with Belarusian political prisoners and participants of rally of entrepreneurs held 10 January in Minsk took place in Vilnius (Lithuania) and Narva (Estonia).

Portraits of political prisoners in Minsk (Photo)

9:45, — Politics

An action of solidarity with political prisoners was held near the Kamarouski market in Minsk on 16 April.

Solidarity day in Warsaw: picket and freestyle (Photo, video) 1

9:02, — Politics

Two events took place in Warsaw on 16 April, dedicated to Solidarity Day. A picket near the Belarusian embassy was held. And a gig of freestyle musicians was played in Warsaw.

Andrei Sannikov: “Officials hardly see their future under totalitarian regime” 16

8:38, — Politics

An important feature of the PACE resolution is a call to officers of the law enforcement and legal bodies to understand they disregard law when organise political repressions.