Andrei Klimau, political prisoner

Action of support to Belarussians taken in Moscow

16:20, 17/07/2007 16 July the action of solidarity with victims of political repressions in Belarus was taken in front of the embassy of this country. The picket was arranged by the Belarusian Diaspora in Moscow with participation and support of the “Oborona” (defense) movement.

Rallies on October Square and near St. Joseph’s Church (Photo)

19:42, 16/07/2007 Dozens of people have gathered today at 6 p.m. on October Square in Minsk with portraits of political prisoners. People were forced out of the square by riot policemen in mufti, and protesters went to St. Joseph’s church. However, Minsk dwellers could stand there just for a short while. Riot policemen required people to disband.

Review-Chronicle of Human Rights Violations in Belarus in May 2007

18:46, 15/06/2007, The Human Rights Center "Viasna" In May the public attention in Belarus was focused on the response of the Belarusian authorities to the decisive demands of the US and the European Union. In the end of April David Kramer, US deputy assistant secretary of state, made an official visit to Belarus. He stated that the US and the EU expect from the Belarusian authorities concrete steps for normalization of the relations with the international community. The first condition which the Belarusian government must implement for improvement of relations is to release all political prisoners and stop politically motivated harassment, including persecution of Young Front activists. ‘The statements of the Belarusian side about readiness for dialogue do not meet their actions’, stated the diplomat. Mr. Kramer also emphasized that the US still does not use all means of influence on Lukashenka’s regime which are provided by the Bill on support to democracy in Belarus.

Trade Union activist identified persons who hit him with baseball bats

13:14, 09/07/2007 On July 9, on the last day of the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE, by majority of votes a resolution on situation in Belarus earlier approved by Committee on Political Affairs and Security of the PA OSCE (the so-called Kyiv Declaration) was passed. The Declaration consists of separate resolutions, which drafts had been approved by relevant PA OSCE committees.

Andrei Klimau’s health and life endangered

14:48, 07/06/2007 Andrei Klimau, member of the National Committee of the United Civil Party, deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convening has been imprisoned since 3 April. It is the third term in prison of the well-known political prisoner. Andrei Klimau is a political prisoner who has served the largest term in jail.

George Bush: Free world is to put pressure on tyrants

18:25, 05/06/2007 In his remarks at the international conference in Prague dedicated to issues of democracy and security, the US president George Bush said that democratic countries should support those who are fighting for freedom against dictatorial regimes. “The Soviet dissident Andrei Amalrik compared a tyrannical state to a soldier who constantly points a gun at his enemy -- until his arms finally tired and the prisoner escapes. The role of the free world is to put pressure on the arms of the world`s tyrants – and strengthen the prisoners who are trying to speed their collapse. So I meet personally with dissidents and democratic activists from some of the world`s worst dictatorships -- including Belarus, and Burma, and Cuba, and North Korea, Sudan, and Zimbabwe,” the US President said.

Political prisoner Andrei Klimau’s heartaches continue

10:49, 05/06/2007 Political prisoner Andrei Klimau ‘s state of health has not improved. A fortnight ago he was hospitalized at the Republican Prison Hospital.” I suffer heartaches”, Andrei Klimau wrote in his last letter. I suspect that heart attacks will not become the final point”.

Embassy Statement on Release of Political Prisoners

18:15, 01/06/2007 The Embassy of the United States of America in Belarus welcomes the early release from prison of Yekaterina Sadovskaya, Pavel Severinets, and Nikolay Statkevich. At the same time, we repeat our call upon the Belarusian authorities to release remaining political prisoners Dmitriy Dashkevich, Artur Finkevich, Aleksandr Kozulin, Andrey Klimov, Nikolay Avtukhovich, and Yuriy Leonov.

Klimau had heart attack in prison

18:03, 30/05/2007 A political prisoner Andrei Klimau told in his letters that on May 21 he had a heart attack in Minsk remand prison No.1. The political prisoner was hospitalized to a Republican prison hospital in Kalvaryjskaya Street in Minsk. Besides, Andrei Klimau wrote that his term in prison was extended for three months.

Will Andrei Klimau be released?

13:10, 29/05/2007 On June 3 two months will pass since the moment of detention of an opposition leader Andrei Klimau. Law-enforcing agencies are to define a measure of restraint for the politician: is he to be released or to be kept in custody. As we have informed, a few days ago Klimau was placed to a republican clinical hospital because of heart problems.

Andrei Klimau’s mother turned to minister for health protection

10:39, 23/05/2007 Mother of political prisoner Andrei Klimau personally turned to minister for health protection Vasil Zharko. In her cable she asks for examining her son within the ministry for health protection system.

Andrei Klimau was refused of hospitalization

10:25, 22/05/2007 Political prisoner Andrei Klimau who is at present kept at the Minsk isolation ward has been refused of hospitalization. Andrei’s state of health leaves much to be desired, his mother Alla Petrovna reported to the press service of the Unites Civic Party. He suffers sharp headaches and heartaches .He wrote that it might happen that his health would not stand sufferings.

Relatives of Political Prisoners calling against Belarus Admission to UN Council on Human Rights

10:25, 03/05/2007 Relatives of the Belarusian political prisoners Volga Kazulina and Yulia Kazulina, Viktar Sadousky, Yaugenia Astreika, Valeri Dranchuk, Valyantsina Statkevich, Maria Finkevich forwarded a written appeal to the international public calling against admission of Belarus to the UN Council on Human Rights. That was reported by the press service of Alyaksandr Kazulin.

Remand Prison Officers Refuse to Accept Books For Andrei Klimau

12:12, 26/04/2007 Today the wife of an imprisoned oppositional leader Andrei Klimau has tried to bring books to the remand prison in Valadarski Street in Minsk. However, the administration of the remand prison refused to pass books for the political prisoner. “We brought 14 books: Pelevin, Konchalovskiy, Houellebecq, Reagan, text books and other books. When refusing to take the books, major Dzyanisik, responsible for educational work, said that he knows perfectly well who Klimau is, and wouldn’t make exception for him. Books could be taken from the library of the remand prison only, told an opposition activist Tsimafei Dranchuk to the Charter’97 press-center. Together with Tatsyana Klimava Tsimafei tried to bring books to Klimau. Earlier the administration of the remand prison refused to bring Klimau a radio set.

David Kramer: “Belarusian Government Has Two Paths”

13:35, 25/04/2007 Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs David Kramer has stated a necessity for by Belarusian authorities to make a number of steps aimed at democratization of the situation in the country. Otherwise, David Kramer said, relations between Belarus and the US are “to deteriorate considerably”. “My message [to the Belarusian authorities] has been very clear, which is that the government here can take one of two paths. They can lead to an improvement in relations between Belarus and the United States by taking specific concrete steps. Specifically, releasing all political prisoners, and I mean all political prisoners, and dropping charges against others, including from Young Front; and allow events tomorrow to take place peacefully, and allow regional and national Congresses [of democratic forces] to be held in Belarus without any problems. In absence of those steps I fear that relations could deteriorate. Under Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act Congress passed and President Bush signed, we have additional steps we can take to increase the pressure upon the government. I hope they won’t be necessary. But the ball is in the court of the government of Belarus,” stated David Kramer at a press-conference in Minsk.

Health Problems of Political Prisoner Klimau

14:26, 24/04/2007 Former deputy of the Supreme Soviet Andrei Klimau who is kept at the Minsk isolation ward has encountered health problems.

Flash mob to support Andrei Klimau was held in Minsk (Photo)

13:49, 20/04/2007 20 April flash mob to support Andrei Klimau was held in Minsk. At 10.15 a.m. around a dozen of young people gathered in Yakub Kolas Square and marched to the “Impuls” shopping center where they stood up in chain carrying portraits of the arrested policymaker. After 10 minutes standing the action participants started distributing leaflets with Klimau’s biography among the passers-by.

Council of Europe to Talk with Belarusian Authorities Only after Release of Political Prisoners

09:57, 18/04/2007 On April 17 in the evening hearings on situation in Belarus in the format of a sub-committee on Belarusian affairs in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe took place in Strasbourg. The head of the Parliamentary Assembly Rene van der Linden, a special Rapporteur on Belarus Andrea Rigoni and other deputies have taken part in the discussion. Members of the subcommittee have come to a conclusion that the best signal for a start of a dialogue would be concrete steps of the Belarusian regime. At least, Rene van der Linden has named this first step as the most desired for the European community.

Solidarity for Freedom (Photo)

15:19, 18/04/2007 On April 16 the Day of Belarusian Solidarity is traditionally marked in Belarus and worldwide. In Minsk public activists organized rallies in solidarity with families of the abducted, with political prisoners, and Belarusians repressed by the regime for their participation in oppositional activities. Streamers with demands to release political prisoners, and portraits of the abducted and candles near them are seen in Minsk streets and in regions on this day.

Klimau is in prison. Investigation continues

16:24, 13/04/2007 10 days have passed since the oppositional leader Andrei Klimau’s arrest. An investigator of Minsk city prosecutor’s office Anatol Hadun told to Radio Svaboda that preliminary investigation continues. “Everything is proceeding according to investigation plan,” Anatol Hadun said. However, he hadn’t told what actions are carried out.

The BAJ Has Had a Petition in Connection with the Criminal Persecution for Publications in the Internet

13:21, 12/04/2007 The Belarusian Association of Journalists’ Board of Directors Has Had a Protest Petition in connection with the criminal persecution for publications in the Internet of the public activist Andrei Klimau.

Andrei Klimau has spent week in remand prison

10:39, 10/04/2007 On April 3 an opposition leader Andrei Klimau was arrested in Minsk. For publishing on the web and article the politician in charged with violation article 361 Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (appeals to overthrow or change of he constitutional regime of Belarus committed with the use of mass media). At the moment Andrei Klimau stays in the remand prison in Valadarski Street in Minsk. He faces a sentence from 1 to 5 years of imprisonment.

Klimau Placed to Ward Where He Was Kept During Last Arrest

16:55, 09/04/2007 The political prisoner Andrei Klimau has sent first letters from Minsk remand prison where he had been placed after the arrest on April 3.

Klimau refused to give evidence in his case

15:06, 05/04/2007 Radio Svaboda has been informed about that by lawyer Katsyaryna Dudko, who provided services of a lawyer to Andrei Klimau, when he was presented accusation. The lawyer said that while getting acquainted with the charges “Klimau was calm and he stated that he refuses to give evidence and cooperate with the investigation”. Katsyaryna Dudko withheld comments on the essence of the charges against A. Klimau.

Andrei Klimau Denied Duty Attorney

14:14, 03/04/2007 The oppositional leader Andrei Klimau who has been taken to the prosecutor’s office of Minsk, is denied a duty attorney. The human rights center “Viasna” has found out that after being presented a charge under Article 361 part 1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus he was taken to a remand prison in Valadarski Street in Minsk.

Klimau Threatened with 2-5 Years in Prison

12:47, 03/04/2007 3 April morning policymaker Andrey Klimau was arrested in Minsk. The militiamen brought him to the public prosecutor’s office in Minsk. He is charged of the crime stipulated by Clause 361 of the criminal code of Belarus (call for armed overthrow of the state system). It is still unclear what part of the Clause 361 Andrey Klimau is charged of breaching.

Andrei Klimau Arrested

10:57, 03/04/2007 The Prosecutor’s office of Minsk has accused a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, a former businessman Andrei Klimau of calls to overthrow of the state regime. Arrest has been chosen as a measure of restraint for him. Andrei Klimau has been placed to a remand prison in Valadarski Street where he is to stay before the court.

Andrei Klimau: "We Must Fight Attackingly"

15:37, 22/12/2006 Today a deputy of the Supreme Council of the 13th calling Andrei Klimau has been released after a year and a half of imprisonment which he spent in a correctional labour facility of an open type in the village of Barshchouka, Rechytsa district, Homel region. After a year and a half in a corrective labour facility A. Klimau is as determined as in March 2005 when he headed a protest against Lukashenka`s long run of power, and he was convicted for that. The politician states that he "has a second wind", and that to win the opposition "should fight attackingly". The interview of Andrei Klimau to the Charter`97 follows.

Andrei Klimau Released

11:06, 22/12/2006 Today a political prisoner Andrei Klimau has been released from a correctional labour facility of an open type in the village of Barshchouka, Rechytsa district, Homel region, Radio Svaboda informs. At 9 a.m. he was given back his documents, a passport and an official document about his release.

Day of Solidarity Marked in Belarus and All Over the World (Photo)

11:20, 17/12/2006 Thousands of candles were lit all over the world on December 16 as a sign of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, families of the abducted, the repressed and those who fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus. Hundreds of people gathered in the streets on that day. At 6 p.m. 100 people gathered on Independence Square, dozens of people gathered near the house of the former presidential candidate Alyaksandr Kazulin in Nyamiha and lit candles to show solidarity with his family. Candles were lit near the cinema “Kastrychnik”, the National library, the Central railway station and in other districts of Minsk. Streamers with demands to release political prisoners were placed in many parts of the city. The Day of Solidarity was marked in Vitsebsk, Hrodna, Homel, Salihorsk, Barysau, Brest, Mahilyou and other cities of Belarus. Thousands of Belarusians lit candies of Freedom and Solidarity in their windows. In numerous countries of the world Belarusian diplomatic missions where picketed, and solidarity rallies held.

People All Over the World Sign Letters in Support of Belarusian Political Prisoners

12:14, 11/12/2006 On December 10, Human Rights Day, an International Marathon of Letters-Writing was held in Poland and in almost 40 other countries of the world. In its framework people wrote letters in support of prisoners of repressed for peaceful expression of their views. This year Poland citizens have written almost 20,000 letters just within 24-hour marathon. Letters in support of citizens of China, Vietnam, Peru and Belarus have been written.

Solidarity with Freedom Fighters (Photo)

10:34, 17/11/2006 An action of solidarity with fighting Belarus was traditionally held on November 16 in many Belarusian cities and abroad. Hundreds of activists gathered in the streets of Minsk, they lit candles of solidarity in different parts of the city. The rallies were held in Vitsebsk, Hrodna, Homel, Salihorsk, Barysau, Brest, Mahilyou and other parts of Belarus. Thousands of Belarusians lit candles of Freedom and Solidarity in the windows of their homes. Citizens of the Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the USA and other countries held rallies too. For more than a year on that day people all over the world are united with Belarus by the memory of the abducted and murdered Belarusian opposition leaders and journalists, political prisoners and freedom fighters.

For Freedom of Belarus

10:14, 17/10/2006 On October 16 the Day of Belarusian Solidarity was marked in Belarus and all over the world. Actions of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, families of the abducted and all those who are fighting for freedom and democracy in Belarus, have been held in Baranavichy, Homel, Salihorsk, Mozyr, Mahilyou, Brest, Babrujsk, Barysau, Maladzechna, Polatsk and other towns of Belarus. Several flash-mobs were staged in Minsk. More than 80 young activists lit candles near the metro station “Pushkinskaya”. A few dozens of people with portraits of political prisoners gathered in Adam Mickievicz park. Dozens of people gathered in Nyamiha metro station holding candles in their hands. Thousands of people have lit candles in their windows.

Belarus will be Free! (Photo)

20:51, 16/09/2006 10,000 Belarusians have taken part in “Big Jeans Festival”, an action of solidarity with political prisoners and families of abducted Belarusian politicians. The Belarusians have reminded the regime that seven years ago, on September 16, 1999 the leaders of Belarusian opposition Viktar Hanchar and Anatol Krasouski. Thousands of participants of the festival are wearing jeans clothes, a symbol of freedom in Belarus. Jeans T-shirts are raised as flags, reminding an event a year ago, when a young leader Mikita Sasim encircled by riot policemen put up a jeans shirt as a flag during the rally dedicated to the disappeared.

Solidarity In Fight For Freedom Of Belarus (PHOTO)

10:40, 17/07/2006 Hundreds thousands of people all over the world have marked the Day of Belarusian Solidarity on July 16. Thousands of people have come to Embassies of the Russian Federation in their countries and demanded to bring up the Belarusian issue at the G8 summit held in St. Petersburg at the moment, and to stop support of the Belarusian dictatorship by the Russian leadership. In Minsk 40 Belarusian citizens were arrested in Minsk at the attempt to come near the Russian diplomatic mission, many of them were brutally beaten up. Solidarity rallies were held in many Belarusian cities and abroad. In Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Belgium, the USA, Sweden, the Netherlands, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and many other countries of the world pickets and demonstrations were held near Russian and Belarusian Embassies. The Belarusian citizens were lighting candles in their windows as a sign of solidarity with political prisoners and families of abducted oppositionists.

Solidarity With Fighting Belarus

10:51, 19/06/2006 Hundreds thousands of people in Belarus and all over the world for the 9th time have marked the Day of Belarusian Solidarity on June 16. Belarusians lit candles of Freedom and Solidarity with political prisoners, families of political prisoners, with all who fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus. They gathered I the squares of their towns and cities. In Minsk more than 100 persons have come to the Russian Embassy, in order to express protest to Russia’s support to Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s regime. The rally was brutally cracked down on. 45 participants were arrested. Dwellers of Brest, Mahilyou, Maladzechna, Zhodzina, Baranavichy, Vitsebsk, Svetlahorsk and other Belarusian cities came to the streets and lit candles of solidarity. Pickets and demonstrations were held in front of Belarusian and Russian Embassies in Ukraine, Poland, Belgium, Germany and the USA. The information about rallies held all over the world on this day is coming.

Riot Policemen Disbanded Rally By Russian Embassy In Minsk (Photo)

21:27, 16/05/2006 Special task police regiment (former SWAT) has disbanded a rally of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, repressed politicians and families of abducted politicians held near the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Minsk. About a hundred of people have come to the Embassy of Russia with candles, to demonstrate protest against Russia’s support of the Belarusian dictatorship. According to the participants of the rally, Russia could demand Lukashenka stop repressions against its political opponents and civil society representatives. During the dispersal of the peaceful rally about two dozens of people were detained. According to the preliminary information, they were placed to the police department of Tsentralny district of Minsk.

Political Prisoners Isolated

12:38, 24/04/2006 A political prisoner, deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation Andrei Klimau (Klimov), who serves a sentence in the detention facility of open type number 22 in the village of Barshchouka Rechytsa district Homel region, was asked not to leave the territory of the special settlement.

Solidarity with people of Belarus

10:15, 17/04/2006 Day of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, disappeared politicians, independent journalists, with everyone who struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus was carried out on April 16. Belarusians came to Russian embassy to express protest to support of Lukashenka by Russian authorities. Participants of the action declared that G-8 summit planned on July of 2006 shouldn’t take place in Russia in case terror against opposition and civil society is stopped in Belarus, political prisoners are not released and cases of disappeared politicians not investigated. Supporters of this demand lit candles near Russian embassy, on Independence avenue and on Niamiga river. The candles were also lit in windows all over Belarus. Belarusians were supported in many countries: Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, USA, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Great Britain, Germany and other countries.

Andrei Klimov: “They are afraid, it means we shall win”

19:02, 13/03/2006 Andrei Klimov, a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, serving the sentence of corrective labour in the settlement of Barshchouka, Rechytsa district, Homel region, is sentenced to 7 days of arrest by the district court. The political prisoner had been presented false charge of insulting officers of the commandant office. He was taken to Rechytsa and hastily convicted. Te verdict was passed by judge Taisia Kulkova. “They are afraid of me even here, while I’m serving the sentence, so they decided to imprison me. The authorities show their great insecurity. It means we are bound to win,” Andrei Klimov said to the Charter’97 press center on the phone.

Klimau: “I Was Transported Like A Persistent Offender”

15:23, 20/02/2006 A political prisoner Andrei Klimau, who was transferred to a village of Barshchouka Rechytsa district last week, does not exclude that he could have been passed to other hands and even abducted, like Hanchar, Krasouski or Zakharanka. During the transporting policemen-guards talked on the phone. They were nervous, and they were not talking to Klimau where they are transporting him. “I was transported as a persistent offender or a mafia boss,” Klimau said to Radio Svaboda.

Political Prisoner Andrei Klimau Believes In Alyaksandr Milinkevich’s Victory

13:39, 20/02/2006 Today the candidate for presidency Alyaksandr Milinkevich had a meeting with a political prisoner Andrei Klimau. They had a conversation in Homel, where Alyaksandr Milinkevich met with his voters.

Political Prisoner Andrei Klimov Transferred to Serve Sentence By Rechytsa

11:25, 20/02/2006 On February 17 a political prisoner, deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation Andrei Klimov was transferred from the town of Krupki, Minks region, to the village of Barshchouka, Rechytsa district, Homel region, to serve the sentence (correctional labour) there.

Political Prisoner Andrei Klimau Transferred to Corrective Works to Homel Region

12:12, 17/02/2006 Today the political prisoner, a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation Andrei Klimau, was unexpectedly transferred from the town of Krupki (Minsk region) to Homel region to serve the sentence there.

It’s Time to Struggle For Liberty!

10:25, 17/02/2006 The Day of Solidarity with political prisoners, disappeared oppositionists and their families, independent journalists, with all who struggle for liberty and democracy, was held in Belarus on February 16. At 8 p.m. the light was switched off in the windows of hundreds of thousands of the Belarusians, and candles of freedom where lit. Hundreds of them gathered in the streets on this day. 200 people lined up on October Square in Minsk. They held burning candles in their hands, they had jeans ribbons, which has become a symbol of freedom in Belarus. The protest caused a panic of the authorities. Hundreds of policemen were sent against peaceful protesters. However, the whole world and the Belarusians themselves have understood, the time has come to fight for freedom.

Political prisoner Andrei Klimau got a warning

10:26, 24/01/2006 January 20, Deputy of the Supreme Council of 13th convocation Andrei Klimau received an official warning from the prosecutor’s office of Krupski region where the politician serves his sentence.

Power of solidarity

11:24, 17/01/2006, Photo: Sean Warner, USA The Day of Solidarity with political prisoners, disappeared oppositionists, their families, and independent journalists, with all who fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus, was held on January 16 in Belarus. At 8 p.m. in the windows of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians, and candles of Solidarity were lit. Many supported call of youth resistance Zubr and came out to the streets in jeans clothes. Flash-mob took place in Minsk. During it 200 Minsk residents decorated center of the city with jeans bands. Street actions were also carried out in Vitsebsk, Baranavichi, Salihorsk and Hrodna. This was the fourth action of solidarity. It was supported by many Belarusian towns. Hrodna, Brest, Vitsebsk, Homel, Mahilyou, Baranavichy, Pinsk, Polatsk, Navapolatsk, Lida, Slonim, Kobryn, Maladechna, Vilejka, Barysau, Svetlahorsk, Asipovichy, Pastavy, Belaaziorsk, Salihorsk, Zhodzina, Vorsha, ZAslauje, Marjina Horka, Ivatsevichy, Byaroza, Babrujsk. And other towns and villages of Belarus. The candles were also lit in all districts of Minsk.

Our Freedom, Our Solidarity

10:47, 17/12/2005 The Day of Solidarity with political prisoners, disappeared oppositionists, their families, and independent journalists, with all who fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus, was held on December 16 in Belarus At 8 p.m. in the windows of hundreds of thousands of Belarusians, and candles of Solidarity were lit. It is the third action which is held on the 16th day of every month. Despite of the active counteraction of the authorities, the Day of Solidarity was supported in many Belarusian cities and towns: Frodna, Brest, Vitsebsk, Homel, Mahilyou, Baranavichy, Pinsk, Polatsk, Navapolatsk, Lida, Slonim, Kobryn, Maladechna, Vilejka, Barysau, Svetlahorsk, Asipovichy, Pastavy, Belaaziorsk, Salihorsk, Zhodzina, Vorsha, ZAslauje, Marjina Horka, Ivatsevichy, Byaroza, Babrujsk. The candles were also lit in all districts of Minsk. In Baranavichy, Svetlahorsk and Vitsebsk Street actions were held. Actions of Solidarity with Belarus were held in the USA, Canada, Netherlands, the Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Belgium and other countries of the world. More information about the cities and countries-participants is yet to come. Follow our updates.

Charter’97 Awards National Human Rights Prize

10:07, 15/12/2005 Today in Minsk the National human rights award-2005 is to be granted in Minsk. This award was established by the Charter’97 civil initiative in 1998. The prize has been awarded to the prominent public and cultural figures, politicians, and journalists. Its laureates in the category “For personal courage in human rights protection” are the leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada), coordinator of the European Coalition, a political prisoner Mikola Statkevich, one of the leaders of the “Young Front”, political prisoner Paval Sevyarynets, and activist of the opposition who headed the parliamentary group “Respublika”, political prisoner Syarhei Skrabets, a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, a political prisoner Andrei Klimau, an entrepreneur, prisoner Mikalay Autukhovich. In the category “For Standing Up For Rights and Freedoms of People”, the Union of Poles in Belarus and Yakub Kolas National Humanities Lyceum are to be awarded.

It’s Getting More and More Free People

10:23, 17/11/2005 The Day of Solidarity with political prisoners, abducted oppositionists, their families, independent journalists, with all who fight for freedom and democracy in Belarus, was held on November 16 in Belarus and all over the world. As a month before, at 8 p.m. in many windows the light was turned off, and candles were lit with the faith in free and democratic future of our country. This time the number of shimmering candles in the windows was much larger. The action was supported in many Belarusian cities – Hrodna, Brest, Vitsebsk, Homel, Mahilyou, Baranavichy, Pinsk, Polatsk, Navapolatsk, Lida, Slonim, Kobryn, Maladechna, Vilejka, Asipovichy, Pastavy, Belaaziorsk, Salihorsk, Zhodzina, Vorsha. In Barysau several hundreds people with lit candles in their hands gathered at the central square. The candles were lit in all regions of Minsk, and most actively in the Tsentralny district, Kuntsevshchyna, West and South-West, in Malinauka, Uruchcha, Shabany, Kurasoushchyna, Sukharava. The actions of solidarity with Belarus have taken place in many parts of the world. The candles of Freedom were burned in the USA, Canada, Netherlands, the Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Belgium and other countries of the world.

Candle of Freedom

09:30, 17/10/2005 The Day of Solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, disappeared oppositionists, their families, independent journalists, with all who fight for freedom and democracy, was held on October 16 in Belarus and all over the world. At 8 p.m. in many windows a light was switched off, and candles lit with the hope for the free and democratic future of our country. The action has been actively supported in many Belarusian towns – Hrodna, Brest, Vitsebsk, Homel, Mahilyou, Baranavichy, Barysau, Pinsk, Polatsk, Lida, Slonim, Kobryn, Maladzechna, Vilejka, Asipovichy, Pastavy, Belaaziorsk, Salihorsk, Zhodzina, Vorsha, and also in all districts of Minsk. In several houses in the center of Minsk, and in the Minsk districts Uruchcha, Malinauka, Shabany, Paudniovy ZAkhad and Sukharava, light in almost all windows went off. Solidarity actions with Belarus have been held in many parts of the world. Candles of freedom were lit is the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Russia.

Political Prisoner Andrei Klimau Left For Serving Punishment

15:22, 22/09/2005 The deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, Andrei Klimau, has left to the place where he is to serve the term. He is sentenced to two years of personal restraint, or “correctional labour”, and is to live in the settlement of Krupki, Minks region. The politician has been sentenced to a year and a half of personal restraint for organizing a protest rally on March 25 this year, demanding Lukashenka’s resignation. “I will use the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the film “The Terminator” I’ll be back!” It will be the last year for Alyaksandr Lukashenka in power. And let him pray for God that the year 2006 would finish trouble-free. That he would be treated in a civilized way after his vacation of a position. We shall provide a good prison cell for him, and leave him alive,” said the political prisoner to the Charter’97 press center before departure.

Prosecution withdrawn accusation of slander against Klimau

12:02, 27/07/2005 On July 22 Pervamayski district court withdrawn accusation of slander against Andrey Klimau. Trial against Klimau started three and a half months ago. He was accused of violating articles 368 and 367 of criminal code - insult of president and slander on president.

Andrei Klimov Filed Cassation Appeal

10:54, 16/06/2005 On June 14 social defender of the deputy of Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, businessman Andrei Klimov, Tatsyana Leonovich, and Andrei Klimov himself, filed a cassation appeal from the judgement of the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk. On June 10, 2005, the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk found Andrei Klimov guilty of violation of Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (organizing group actions disrupting public order, or active participation in them) for a protest rally on March 25 in Minsk, organized by Andrei Klimov, and sentenced him to restraint of liberty for a year and a half.

Mikola Statkevich, Paval Sevyarynets and Andrei Klimov Recognized Prisoners of Conscience

14:25, 15/06/2005 The clampdown on all forms of opposition to the regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka in Belarus continues. In a blatant violation of their right to freedom of expression three more opposition politicians have been imprisoned to punish them for organizing peaceful protests over the past two weeks. Andrei Klimov, Nikolai Statkevich and Pavel Severinets have all been sentenced under Article 342 of the criminal code which outlaws the organizing or participation in public actions that disrupt public order.

Javier Solana Condemns Verdict to Andrei Klimov

10:25, 14/06/2005 EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana condemns the verdict of the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk to Andrei Klimov, former deputy of the 13th Supreme Soviet, a businessman, who was sentenced to 1.5 years of personal restraint for organizing a protest action on March 25.

Verdict to Andrei Klimov: a year and a half of corrective labour

17:48, 10/06/2005, photo by ByMedia.net The court of the Tsentralny district of Minsk has sentenced Andrei Klimov to a year and a half of personal restraint. The politician was charged with organizing a mass protest rally in Minsk on March 25. Restraint of liberty, according to Belarusian laws, means registration with a special commandant`s office, under surveillance of which people perform community service. Today the politician, who had been kept in the pre-trial detention center of Minsk executive committee since April 22, was released in the court room. He has 10 days to appeal from the judgment.

Political Prisoner Klimov Kept in Cage Like Dangerous Criminal

14:33, 07/06/2005 Today in the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk interrogation of witnesses for the defence and for the prosecution in the criminal case of Andrei Klimov, a businessman and MP of the 13th Supreme Soviet has finished.

Rally in Support of Political Prisoner Andrei Klimov in Prague

15:52, 25/05/2005 On May 24 a picket in support of political prisoner Andrei Klimov was staged in front of the Belarusian Embassy in Prague by Ukrainian and Belarusian students. About two dozens of people have taken part in the rally. The participants were holding portraits of Andrei Klimov and a banner “Freedom to Andrei Klimov!” and “STOP LUKA!”.

Some 15 demonstrate near jailhouse in Minsk to protest Klimov’s detention

11:00, 23/05/2005 Some 15 people on Sunday formed a human chain near a pretrial detention center in Minsk where prominent opposition politician Andrei Klimov is held awaiting his trial on what is widely viewed as a politically motivated charge.

Andrei Klimov refused to learn criminal case materials

14:50, 11/05/2005 Andrei Klimov, MP of the 13th Supreme Soviet, refused to learn the materials of the criminal case brought up against him. The materials were given to him by the investigator of the investigative committee of the Interior Affairs department of Minsk executive committee on May 6. Previously the political prisoner refused to give evidence during interrogations.

Tatiana Leonovich-Klimova: Lukashenka Revenges For His Fear

13:09, 02/05/2005 “I am sure that now Lukashenka is simply taking revenge for the fear he had during the protest on March 25,” told Tatiana Leonovich-Klimova, the wife of Andrei Klimov, former MP of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, commenting to the Charter’97 press center the official accusation of Andrei Klimov, who is charged with violation of the Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organizing group actions violating public order, or active participation in them) for organizing an opposition protest rally on March 25 in Minsk.

Official Accusation Made For Andrei Klimov

12:46, 02/05/2005 Accusation was made for the MP of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, Andre Klimov, on charges relating violation of the article 342 of the Criminal Code (organizing group actions violating public order, or active participation in them) for organizing a protest action of opposition on March 25 in Minsk. The term of detention for Andrei Klimov has been extended until June 22, told Andrei Klimov’s assistant Timofey Dranchuk.

Policemen Lost Andrei Klimov’s Passport. Politician Kept Out Of Prison

15:56, 25/04/2005 During the detention the passport of the MP of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation Andrei Klimov was lost, told the assistant of Andrei Klimov, Timofey Dranchuk to the press center of the Charter’97. The politician according to the ruling of the city prosecutor’s office is to spend the nest week behind the bars, but he cannot be placed to the detention facility of the Minsk executive committee Interior Affairs department without an ID. Besides, it has turned out that he had spent the last three days in the isolation detention center illegally.

Andrei Klimov Remains In Prison

13:13, 25/04/2005 The term of imprisonment of the former MP of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation Andrei Klimov has been extended for 10 days. This ruling has been passed by the deputy assistant of the Prosecutor of Minsk Nikolay Starovojtov, told the assistant of Andrei Klimov, Timofey Dranchuk, to the Charter’97 press center.

Andrei Klimov, Organizer of “Belarusian Revolution” Project, Arrested In Minsk

14:07, 22/04/2005 The Belarusian law-enforcing agencies have carried out another loud arrest. At about 1 p.m. former MP of the Supreme Soviet of the 13th convocation, former Prisoner of conscience Andrei Klimov was arrested. He is famous by the action organized by him on March 25 in Minsk and was called “Belarusian revolution”. The Belarusian authorities determined the actions of Klimov as organizing mass riots, which is violating the Article 342 of the Criminal Code. According to the information from Klimov’s team, he will be charged with infringing this article.

Klimov’s trial opens behind closed doors

11:30, 06/04/2005 Reporters and representatives of the OSCE Minsk office were barred from the courtroom as Judge Yelena Ananich started hearing a controversial libel case against opposition figure Andrei Klimov in the Pervomaisky district court on Wednesday.

Criminal Action Brought Up Against Andrei Klimov

13:37, 28/12/2004 An entrepreneur and deputy of the 13th Supreme Soviet of Belarus, Andrei Klimov (Andrey Klimau) has received a present for the New Year. A criminal action has been initiated against him. The ground for initiating a criminal action are the books written by him: “Obvious Truths” and “I have made my choice”. According to a decision of a commission of specialist in study of literature, they contain a “number of statements insulting the president of Belarus, and are formulated in an offensive form”. As a result, the prosecutor’s office of Minsk has defined elements of crime in the actions of the author of the books, as he had violated Article 368 Part 1 (public insult of the head of Belarusian state), and could be sentenced up to two years of imprisonment, the “BDG” informs.