The oppositionist expelled from work for criticizing the government

Opposition activist in Baranavichy facing dismissal from government-owned company.

The administration of Baranavichy Plant of Auto Units has refused to extend an employment contract with opposition activist Ryhor Hryk over what the man believes are his political activities.

On Friday, Mr. Hryk received written notification that the government-owned company based in Baranavichy, Brest region, would terminate the contract with him on June 30, 2012.

“It is another attempt to impose pressure on me for my activities in defending the rights of local residents,” Mr. Hryk told BelaPAN. “I don’t think that the administration of the plant made the decision on its own initiative. It is more likely that the administration made it under orders from above.”

Mr. Hryk said that he had been working at the plant since 2010. “The administration was satisfied with my performance,” he noted.

The activist previously worked at Baranavichy Cotton Mill. The administration of the company refused to extend an employment contract with him after the 2008 parliamentary elections, in which he ran as an opposition candidate.