Mikalay Autukhovich and Yury Lyavonau, political prisoners

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day of Solidarity Marked in Mahilyou, Babrujsk, Polatsk, Salihorsk, Navalukoml, Dzyarzhynsk (Photo)

14:00, 17/03/2007 In many cities of Belarus a traditional Day of Belarusian Solidarity was marked on March 16. People gathered on squares of their cities carrying portrait of political prisoners and lit candles.

Alyaksandr Milinkevich: "16th Day is Reminder about Belarus to the World"

16:08, 16/02/2007 Today the Day of Belarusian Solidarity is celebrated in Belarus and around the world for the 16th time. The leader of the democratic forces Alyaksandr Milinkevich has called upon praying for release of Belarusian political prisoners. “I am enormously thankful to all those who show their solidarity with Belarus on this day. The 16th day of every month has become a landmark for democratic activists in our country and abroad. Today Belarus is a problem number one in Europe, and front pages of many newspapers in Europe cover the situation in our country, and it’s a merit of all those people who are reminding the world that human rights in Belarus are violated, free election is absent, independent press is extinct. As a Christian I call upon all Belarusians and friends of our country to pray for early release of all Belarusian political prisoners, for restoration of democracy in Belarus,” told Alyaksandr Milinkevich in an interview to Charter’97 press-center.

The day of Solidarity: Belarusians Continue Street Actions (Photo)

10:10, 17/01/2007 Hundreds of people on 16 January went into the streets of Minsk and other Belarusian cities and towns to manifest their solidarity with the families of the Belarusian disappeared journalists, political prisoners and those fighting for freedom and democracy in Belarus.100 youth activists lighted the candles of Freedom and Solidarity at the Svislach river embankment .50 people with burning candles and of Freedom and Solidarity and portraits of political prisoners stood in chain at the central railway station. “Freedom to Political Prisoners!” posters were hanged in different places of Minsk and independent newspapers were distributed throughout Belarus. The solidarity actions were held in regional centers of the country as well as in Baranavichi, Babruisk, Zhodzina, Barisau, Saligorsk, Niasvizh and other towns. Thousands of Belarusians lighted candles at their windowsills .In many countries all over the world Belarusian embassies were picketed and the actions of solidarity were taken.

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.

Severe Verdict Passed For Autukhovich

13:20, 07/07/2006 The Kastrychnicki Borough Court in Hrodna town passed the verdict in the case of Vaukavysk entrepreneur Mikalai Autukhovich. The judge satisfied the demand of Jauhien Shcharbak, the state prosecutor, who asked to sentence Autukhovich to 42 months of imprisonment and Jury Liavonau, director of Nika-trans company, to 41 months of imprisonment.

Mikalay Autukhovich Presented New Charges

11:26, 20/06/2006 On June 19 hearings in the criminal case of Vaukavysk entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich continues in the court of Kastrychnitski district of Hrodna. He is presented altered charges. Now Autukhovich is also charged with business activities without registration or licence. So far he had been charged with large-scale tax evasion only.

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.

Autukhovich’s Case Hearings Postponed Again

13:59, 16/06/2006 On June 16 an entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich was not taken to the court becuase of his state of helath. As the BelaPAN was reported by his lawyer Halina Ivanova, M. Autukhovich is now under a dropper. He is treated after a dry hunger strike that lasted from May 23 to June 9. “He has low blood pressure, but as far as I know, he feels alright. He plans to participate in the trial, but he cannot do so because of the state of health. The hearings of the court are rescheduled for Monday, June 19. The trial is to start at 2.30 p.m.,” the lawyer said.

Autukhovich Under Dropper

18:30, 15/06/2006 A trial in the case of political prisoner Mikalay Autukhovich was to continue today in Vaukavysk. However, he was not taken to the court. Mikalay Autukhovich, who refuses to take food for two months, was on a dry hunger strike recent weeks. Today his blood pressure went down, and a dropper was given to him. Autukhovich stay in the medical unit of Vaukavysk remand prison. The session of the court is scheduled for tomorrow, but it is not clear whether Autukhovich would be able to come to the court.

Autukhovich Denies Hospitalization

15:45, 06/06/2006 Today a lawyer of the entrepreneur M. Autukhovich, Halina Ivanova has been taken to one of Hrodna hospitals for medical examination. But he refused to stay there. Mikalay Autukhovich was taken back to the pre-trial detention center of Hrodna prison number 1. According to the lawyer, he continues hunger strike announced on April 13, when he was detained, the Radio Svaboda informs.

Mikalay Autukhovich Transported From Court to Hospital

18:43, 05/06/2006, photo by ByMedia.net Today an entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich, who is tried in Vaukavysk now, was taken to the town hospital with a diagnosis “acute renal failure”. Mikalay Autukhovich is on a hunger strike for about two months, while his hunger strike without water lasts 10 days. He has fallen unconscious many times during court sessions. Vaukavysk dwellers have addressed the courageous businessman protesting against unjust trial with an appeal to stop hunger strike. “By addressing you, we want one thing. Do not allow those who had ordered your persecution to triumph. You should understand that your death is needed by them. Without you they would not quake with fear. We should not allow those rascals sleep securely,” the appeal received by the Charter’97 press center reads.

Mikalay Autukhovich Fainted Because of Hunger

16:38, 01/06/2006 Today in Hrodna in the court of Kastrychnitski district a trial over entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich continues. He is on hunger strike since April 13. As it turned out, after the last court session last Tuesday he fell unconscious. He was placed to the prison medical unit and a dropper made to him, the Radio Svaboda informs.

Autukhovich Continues Dry Hunger Strike

10:17, 30/05/2006 An entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich continues a dry hunger strike for an eighth day. To the court sessions he is accompanied by a prison doctor, www.pahonia.promedia.by reports.

Mikalay Autukhovich’s State of Health Worsens

13:27, 26/05/2006 Doctors have not checked the state of Mikalay Autukhovich’s health in three days of his hunger strike without water. Vaukavysk entrepreneur, who is tried in Hrodna now, is under arrest in Hrodna pre-trial detention center. Autukhovich went on a dry hunger strike on Tuesday, May 23. By that time he had already been fasting for 40 days, demanding release, the Radio Racyja informs.

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.

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.

Autukhovich Imprisoned Again

13:28, 13/04/2006 Today businessman Mikalay Autukhovich as taken to the court of Hrodna from Vaukavysk. He was serving five days of administrative arrest there. Judge of Kastrychnitski district court of Hrodna Mikalay Rachynski changed the measure of restraint for him from home arrest to imprisonment, the Radio Svaboda informs.

Mikalay Autukhovich Arrested For Five Days

10:16, 11/04/2006 On April 10 in the regional court of Vaukavysk an administrative report against Mikalay Autukhovich was considered. The court sentenced him to 5 days of arrest. Mikalay Autukhovich, who had been in hiding for two months, was detained on April 8 in the evening in Minsk. He was taken to Vaukavysk. A report has been drawn up against him for insubordination to policemen and using foul speech, the Radio Svaboda informs.

Free Choice For Belarusian People Demanded In Washington (Photo)

20:01, 17/03/2006 A protest demonstration was held on March 16, on the Day of Belarusian Solidarity, in front of the Belarusian Embassy in Washington. Representatives of Belarusian Diaspora and American public organizations have gathered under Belarusian national flags. Picketers have unfurled a giant jeans flag as a sign of solidarity with Belarus, where jeans has become a symbol of freedom and changes.

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.

Autukhovich Said Goodbye to Prosecutor General and Went Underground

13:26, 10/02/2006 The first session of the court in the case of entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich, which was planned for February 9 in the court of Kastrychnitski district of Hrodna, has not taken place because of because of M. Autukhovich’s default of appearance. As his lawyer Halina Ivanova said, the transportation of the entrepreneur, who stayed in Vaukavysk under home arrest, was to be provided by the district internal affairs department. Meanwhile, workers of the firm told to the Deutche Welle, that Autukhovich sent a letter to the Prosecutor General of Belarus and the Prosecutor of Hrodna region. In the letter he denied accusations against him and also informed that he shrugs off obligation to stay under house arrest, as laws are violated in relation to his family.

Militia searches for Mikalai Autukhovich

10:17, 10/02/2006 February 9, entrepreneur of Vaukavysk Mikalai Autukhovich did not arrive in Grodna for the trial, which was to take place in the Oktiabrski district court of the city. The militia officer who was ordered to deliver M.Autukhovich from Vaukavysk did not find the entrepreneur at home where the detained was supposed to stay under home arrest.

Beginning of Legal Trial In Autukhovich’s Case Postponed

15:33, 09/02/2006 The first sitting of the court in the case of entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich scheduled for February 9 in the court of Kastrychnitski district of Hrodna, has not taken place because of M. Autukhovich’s default of appearance. The BelaPAN was informed about that by his lawyer Halina Ivanova.

Businessman Avtukhovich’s trial starts on Thursday

10:17, 09/02/2006 A hearing will start in the Oktyabrsky District Court in Grodno on February 9 to consider the case of businessman Nikolai Avtukhovich who is facing controversial tax evasion charges. The businessman is now at home following a 74-day hunger strike while in pretrial detention.

Power of solidarity

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.

House Arrest’s Term For Mikalay Autukhovich Extended Till January 30

13:31, 09/01/2006 12 days have passed after a businessman from Vaukavysk Mikalay Autukhovich finished a hunger strike held first in the remand prison, and later in prison hospital. He is being nursed back to health. On December 28 measure of restraint was changed for house arrest. Its term was extended until January 30. The radio Svaboda has found out that his criminal case is to be considered by the court of Kastrychnitski district of Hrodna. However, the businessman has not started to get acquainted with the materials of the case concerning tax evasion on a large scale.

Mikalay Autukhovich Lost About 40 Kgs Within 2 Months In Prison

10:46, 29/12/2005 An entrepreneur from Vaukavysk Mikalay Autukhovich started to eat a little with the help of a doctor-nutritionist. In the therapeutic department of the regional hospital a policemen stays, as contacts of Autukhovich are to be limited, as he is under house arrest.

Mikalay Autukhovich Placed In Vaukavysk Hospital

10:24, 28/12/2005 On December 27 in the evening a businessman Mikalay Autukhovich was taken to Vaukavysk from Minsk from a prison hospital. For 74 days he was on hunger strike, first in Hrodna prison, and later in the prison hospital. He protested against his arrest. Hrodna regional prosecutor’s office changed the measure of restraint for him for house arrest, the Radio Svaboda informs.

Autukhovich Doesn’t Stop Hunger Strike

10:51, 27/12/2005 On December 26 a businessman Mikalay Autukhovich was visited by his lawyer Halina Ivanova in the republican prison hospital. The lawyer said to the Radio Svaboda that the entrepreneur continues hunger strike, started 73 days ago, and is not going to stop it.

Mikalay Autukhovich’s State of Health In Prison Hospital Unknown

12:20, 23/12/2005 On December 21 an Orthodox priest Father Sergiy visited a prisoner Mikalay Autukhovich in prison hospital and told to entrepreneur’s friends that he is very weak. A reporter of the Radio Svaboda visited the prison hospital and anonymously found out the state of health of M. Autukhovich.

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.

For Courage and Upholding Rights and Freedomsд

16:47, 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.

Mikalay Autukhovich Transferred to Prison Hospital in Minsk

12:38, 15/12/2005 As the Charter’97 has found out, an entrepreneur from Vaukavysk Mikola Autukhovich was transferred from Hrodna remand prison to a prison hospital in Minsk because of a serious decline in health.

Mikalay Autukhovich Must Be Transferred From Prison to Hospital

12:50, 29/11/2005 The arrested entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich was examined by the council of physicians. They recognized that his state of health after 46 days of hunger strike is grave. They noted that in case he would not agree to stop the hunger strike and take a dropper, he should be hospitalized, the Radio Svaboda informs.

40th Day of Businessman Mikalay Autukhovich’s Hunger Strike

12:24, 22/11/2005 An entrepreneur Mikalay Autukhovich told to his lawyer that he is going to continue hunger strike till the end. As said by the doctors, such a long abstention is very dangerous for health. No reply has been received yet for the request of the lawyers to the administration of Hrodna prison. They asked to render immediate medical emergency care to him. “I think that it is necessary to raise an issue about access of independent medical experts, representatives of society and mass media to him. We must move heaven and earth. We should know what state of health he has, as he can simply die, and the authorities would not react to that. For them it means no person, no problems,” the head of the regional organization of the Belarusian Popular Front Party Syarhei Malchyk believes.

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.

Mikalay Autukhovich’s Wife Hospitalised

16:43, 08/11/2005 A businessman from Vaukavysk Mikalay Autukhovich is still kept in pre-trial detention center. He continues his hunger-strike of protest. Meanwhile, different rumours are in the air in Vaukavysk about his wife, Elena. Shortly before these events, she had gone to relatives, and has not returned yet. Underage daughter of the Autukhovichs lives by her grandmother and grandfather.

Mikalay Autukhovich Not Released. He Continues Hunger Strike

16:05, 04/11/2005 The court refused to change the measure of restraint for the businessman from Vaukavysk Mikalay Autukhovich, who is on hunger strike in Hrodna prison for 20 days. The prisoner and his lawyers asked to release him for the time of investigation, by changing the measure of restraint. However the court of Lenin district affirmed the previous court decision.

Mikalay Autukhovich Starts Hunger Strike behind Bars

18:54, 18/10/2005 An entrepreneur from Vaukavysk, Mikalay Autukhovich, has gone on hunger strike in the remand prison in Hrodna. Radio Svaboda has been reported about that today, when the food brought by his father Mikalay Autukhovich and a lawyer Andrei Kukhtsiuk, was not taken, as the prisoner had gone fasting.