2005 press releases

U.S. Embassy Press Statement on Politically Motivated Incarcerations in Belarus (April 7, 2005)

The Embassy of the United States of America expresses grave concern over the politically motivated incarcerations of Belarusian citizens, many of whom were simply exercising their right to free speech and assembly.
 
As the U. S. State Department has stated, the conviction of Mikhail Marinich on the unfounded charges of theft of U.S. Government property is a travesty of justice.  The U.S. has never made any claims against Mr. Marinich. His continued incarceration has also seriously affected  Mr. Marinich's health. The United States calls on Belarusian authorities to release Mr. Marinich not only because of his innocence but also on patently humanitarian grounds.

The United States also condemns the politically motivated convictions and continued incarceration of Belarusian citizens Vasiliev and Levonevskiy, who were sentenced to two years' imprisonment on unfounded charges of slander. It appears that the Belarusian courts' interpretation of the law and the Belarusian Constitution would make practically all forms of public criticism of the Belarusian leadership punishable. Such an interpretation is inconsistent with the free speech provision of the Belarusian Constitution and contradictory to international norms governing protection of freedom of expression to which the Government of Belarus is party, such as the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The United States further expresses deep concern over the recent detention of Belarusian citizen Anatoliy Shumchenko -- again, it appears for political reasons connected with his effort to organize a peaceful public demonstration in accordance with the free speech and assembly provisions of the Belarusian Constitution. The authorities used spurious charges of hooliganism to extend Mr. Shumchenko's incarceration for almost a month, until his March 31 release.
 
The United States also expresses concern over the detentions of many other Belarusians, including citizens Bondarenko and Sasim, who were jailed and convicted of "hooliganism," a charge, which Belarusian authorities frequently use to detain Belarusians who are simply exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate and express themselves freely and peacefully.
 
The United States recognizes the responsibility of authorities to maintain public order, but  authorities also have an equal  responsibility to protect the right of citizens to express themselves freely and without intimidation.

The United States calls upon Belarusian authorities to stop abusing the law and release citizens Marinich, Vasilev and Levonevskiy. The United States joins the European Union in calling for the release as well of Dr. Bandazhevskiy, a citizen who also was convicted of spurious charges and who needs better health care.

Finally, the United States strongly urges Belarus to bring its laws and practices governing the human rights of its citizens in line with international standards and Belarus' international commitments. Such steps will allow Belarus to enjoy its rightful place among the international community of democracies.