2001 press releases

Prosecutions Following Belarusian Freedom Day (March 30, 2001)

The United States is deeply concerned by the Belarusian authorities' treatment of Belarusian citizens who publicly marked Belarusian Freedom Day on March 25. The Belarusian authorities refused a permit for a march in Minsk and used force to disperse Belarusian citizens who peacefully gathered to mark this date. About 20 people were arrested nation-wide. Some have been jailed, such as Vintsuk Vyachorka, Chairman the Belarusian National Front, a major democratic political party, who received a sentence of 15 days. Others, such as parliamentarian Ludmila Gryaznova, were fined more than a month's salary. Human rights activist Ales Belyatsky and democratic youth leader Pavel Severyenets await trial. Arrests are reportedly continuing.

Freedom of assembly and expression are basic human rights that Belarus is bound to respect. The Belarusian authorities are calling for improved relations with the international community. We urge the Belarusian authorities to back up their declarations with deeds, and to begin by immediately releasing Mr. Vyachorka and others jailed, dismissing charges against Mr. Belyatsky and Mr. Severyenets, and ending punitive measures against all those who marked Belarusian Freedom Day.