Embassy Minsk Statement Regarding the May 6 Conviction of Mr. Mikalay Awtukovich and Three Others on Charges Related to Illegal Weapons Possession

We are concerned by the May 6 conviction of Mr. Mikalay Awtukovich and three others on charges related to illegal weapons possession. 

In this and other cases, we have long stressed to the Belarusian authorities the importance of observing due process.  We had hoped that the Belarusian authorities would take this opportunity to demonstrate a strengthening of due process and the independence of the judiciary.  Unfortunately, there are reasons to question the conduct of this trial with respect to the civil rights of Mr. Awtukhovich and the three others.

As we have noted before, improvement in the relationship of the United States with Belarus can come only when the Belarusian authorities show a greater respect for the basic human rights of the Belarusian people.