2004 press releases

U.S. Embassy Minsk Statement on Levonevsky ans Vasilyev Sentencing (September 10, 2004)

The Embassy of the United States of America expresses deep concern regarding the recent trial and sentencing of Aleksandr Vasilyev and Valery Levonevsky. Both the "crime" – publishing a poem and the "punishment" – a two-year prison term would appear to be a gross manipulation of Belarusian justice to inhibit freedom of speech of Belarusian citizens.

The Embassy is also disturbed that the judge refused to allow the defense to call witnesses. No trial can be fair when the defense is not allowed to present its case; when only one point of view is presented.

The action by Belarusian judicial authorities against these two political activists would appear to be politically motivated and casts serious doubts about the intention of Belarusian authorities to permit a transparent political process as Belarus approaches parliamentary elections. The Embassy calls on Belarusian authorities to respect the rights of Belarusian citizens to free speech and to stop using the courts for political purposes as appears clear in this case.