Mikola Statkevich, political prisoner

Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets Released

17:03, 22/05/2007 Belarusian political prisoners Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets have been granted early release. The term of imprisonment of the politicians who had been sentenced to corrective labour, was to expire this summer. The first to meet Mikola Statkevich were the Charter’97 coordinator Zmitser Bandarenka and the leader of the youth center “Volat” Zmitser Barodka.

Two political prisoners, Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets, can be released

12:15, 22/05/2007 Today trials are to be held in Navapolatsk and Maryina Horka. Recommendations on conditional early release of political prisoners Paval Sevyarynets and Mikola Statkevich. The hearings on release of Sevyarynets are to start at 2.30 p.m. Mikola Statkevich had been told to arrive to Maryina Horka in the afternoon as well.

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.

Mikalai Statkevich was visited by US Ambassador

12:44, 12/03/2007 Political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich being on probation in Blon village of the Pukhovichi district for organization of the protest demonstration against falsified record of votes cast in election and referendum of 2004 was visited by the US Ambassador Karen Stewart, the Radio Svaboda reported. That was the first visit of head of the US Embassy paid to Mikalai Statkevich.Previously he was visited by ambassadors of Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia as well as by head of the OSCE mission Oke Peterson.

Germany Support Belarusian Political Prisoners

15:59, 01/03/2007 Today German Ambassador to Belarus Martin Hacker has visited a political prisoner, the leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic party (Narodnaya Hramada), a coordinator of the European Coalition Mikola Statkevich. The politician is serving a sentence of a so-called corrective labour in a settlement of Blon, Pukhavichy district, Minsk region. The leader of Social Democrats has been sentenced for staging peaceful protest actions against rigged referendum results in 2004 which allowed Alyaksandr Lukashenka to run for the third term in office.

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.

Demands of Freedom to Belarusian Political Prisoners Heard in Warsaw (Photo)

10:13, 14/02/2007 An action “Week of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus” continues in Warsaw. About a dozen of Belarusians who live in Warsaw gathered near the building of Belarusian embassy on February 13. They had white –red-white flags, huge portraits of a political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin, and posters “Freedom to political prisoners!”, “Lukashenka’s power is illegal”.

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.

Mikola Statkevich Granted a First Leave in Half a Year

15:26, 29/01/2007 The leader of Social Democratic party Mikola Statkevich, who is serving the sentence of correctional labour in Pukhavichy district Minsk region, has been allowed to visit his sick father living in the city of Baranavichy, Radio Svaboda informs.

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.

Mikola Statkevich Denied Early Release

10:05, 29/12/2006 The father of the Belarusian Social Democrats leader Mikola Statkevich has received an official answer from the Penal jurisdiction department of the Interior Ministry of Belarus stating that his son had been denied a conditional early release, Radio Svaboda informs. Mikola Statkevich is serving a sentence in the settlement Blon Pukhavichy district for organizing street rallies against rigged elections results and referendum in 2004.

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.

Bug Placed to Mikalay Statkevich’s Work Location

13:26, 14/12/2006 Officers of the KGB department of Pukhavichy district have placed a bug in the premises where the political prisoner, a leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich works. The Charter’97 press-center has been informed about that by Mikola Statkevich, who is serving a sentence in the village of Blon Pukhavichy district of Minks region. He had been sentenced to two years of corrective labour for organizing mass protest actions against rigged results of parliamentary elections and a referendum.

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.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich Not Allowed to Visit His Sick Father

17:14, 23/11/2006 The leader of Belarusian Social Democrats, a political prisoner Mikola Statkevich who is serving a term of imprisonment in the village of Blon, Pukhavichy district Minsk region, is not allowed to visit his elderly father to the city of Baranavichy, Brest region.

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.

Slave Labour of Political Prisoners in Colonies

14:04, 27/09/2006, photo by ByMedia.net A political prisoner, the leader of the Belarusian Social Democrats Mikola Statkevich is serving a two –year sentence in the village of Blon near Marjina Horka. He works as a mechanician at a garage of an agricultural enterprise “Industryja”. The political prisoner, a Candidate of Science in Engineering, a military hardware engineer, works 12 hours a day, which breaches all norms of the labour Code. “No one of the prisoners in the corrective labour facility has such long working hours. On weekends, when all workers have rest, I have to work in a filed or to build cattle chutes. On weekdays I repair electrical equipment of tractors. The head of the special commandant’s office told me that my absence at the working place would be considered as avoidance of serving the sentence, which could cause criminal responsibility,” Mikola Statkevich told to the Charter’97 press center.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich Not Granted Conditional Early Relief

10:19, 26/09/2006 The leader of the Belarusian Social Democrats political prisoner Mikola Statkevich has been denied a conditional early relief. According to the press service of the party, the documents prepared by the administration of the correctional institution, haven’t reached the court.

Young Activists Hold Rally in Support of Political Prisoners (Photo)

10:35, 22/09/2006 On September 21 on Victory Square in Minsk young activists gathered with portraits of political prisoners and abducted opponents of the regime. About 30 persons were holding portraits of Alyaksandr Kazulin, Andrei Klimau, Mikalay Statkevich, Paval Sevyarynets, Artur Finkevich and other political prisoners, as well as abducted opponents of Lukashenka’s regime Yury Zakharanka, Dzmitry Zavadsky, Viktar Hanchar and Anatol Krasouski.

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.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich to Work at Cattle Breeding Farm

13:32, 07/09/2006 Since today the leader of Belarusian Social Democrats, political prisoner Mikola Statkevich is to serve the term of restriction of freedom in the village of Blon, Pukhavichy district Minsk region. The politician is to work at a cattle breeding farm, Radio Svaboda informs. Statkevich has been told that his work would be connected with technical equipment.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich Transferred to Pukhavichy District

14:23, 04/09/2006 The leader of Belarusian Social Democrats, a political prisoner Mikola Statkevich is transferred to serve the sentence to Pukhavichy district, Minsk region. Previously t labour facility, as his elderly father who needs help lives there. The official reason for transferring him is that the politician is registered in Minsk, and he is to serve the sentence in Minsk region. The political prisoner believes that in reality the authorities are transferring him to Baranavichy to continue provocations against him and send him to prison.

Mikola Statkievich can be sent to prison

12:42, 27/07/2006 The leader of Social Democrats, who is serving the sentence (constraint for organization of the protest actions against the faked outcome of the referendum and parliamentary election of October 2004) in the town of Baranavichy, applied to the administration of his custody.

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.

Mikola Statkevich: “The most important thing is that we stay together”

16:54, 11/07/2006 The leader of the Social Democrats and a political prisoner Mikola Statkevich has visited Minsk for the first time this year. The politician is serving a two-year sentence of corrective labour in Baranavichy for organizing protest rallies against rigged results of the referendum and parliamentary elections. He has a two-week holiday. However, the authorities are trying to limit his liberty. He was banned from crossing borders of the city district where he is registered. Today the politician answers questions of the Charter’97 press center.

Political prisoner Statkievich’s movement limited

11:15, 10/07/2006 As Radio Svaboda reports, political prisoner Mikola Statkievich, who is in Minsk on two-week vacations now, was warned he couldn’t cross the borders of Minsk City Piershamaiski district.

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.

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.

Regime Fears Mikola Statkevich

18:44, 07/03/2006 Since March 1 a penalty for the well-known politician Mikola Statkevich, sentenced to three years of liberty restriction for organizing a protest against rigged results of the elections and referendum in 2004, has been hardened. Now Statkevich is in fact imprisoned, as he cannot leave the premises of the special settlement in the town of Baranavichy.

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 Mikola Statkievich isolated in special confinement place

10:23, 16/02/2006 As Radio Svaboda reports, political prisoner, European Coalition leader Mikola Statkievich was transferred to a special confenement place after home arrest, which was explained by “harsh criminal situation” in Baranovichy.

Militia officers detained Head of Czech diplomatic mission Uladzimer Ruml

17:05, 26/01/2006 As Radio Svaboda reports, militia officers detained Uladzimer Ruml, the head of the Czech diplomatic mission to Belarus, today, on his way to political prisoner Mikola Statkievich. The oppositional politician serves his sentence in Baranavichy for organization of street manifestations against falsification of the election and referendum results in October 2004.

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.

Where Tyranny Rules

15:11, 06/12/2005, By Yuri Zarakhovich, «Time Europe» Nikolai Statkevich tried to buck the system in 2001: he ran for President of Belarus. The country calls itself democratic, but President Alexander Lukashenko, in power for 11 years, runs it like the last dictatorship in Europe and brooks no challenges to his neo-Stalinist rule. That`s why Statkevich, 49, leader of the opposition Social Democratic party, found himself confined to a prison barrack in the town of Baranovichi, 120 km west of Minsk, the nation`s capital. Last March, the government sentenced him to three years of forced labor for "resisting the authorities and obstructing traffic" during a protest in October 2003. So now Statkevich rises to the dawn sound of reveille, submits to a body search and roll call, then walks for an hour to a damp, cold shop where he repairs radios. This is the only work authorities will allow Statkevich, who holds a Ph.D. in technical sciences, to do. At 6 p.m. he walks back to prison for the night.

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.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich Shifted to Home Regime

13:59, 11/11/2005 Administration of the special settlement shifted the leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich to the home regime. As we have informed, the oppositional politician was serving a sentence in Baranavichy colony for organizing street rallies on October 18 and 19 protesting against rigged results of the elections and referendum in October 2004.

Mikola Statkevich Visited By Swedish Ambassador In Colony

10:36, 10/11/2005 The chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich serves a term in Baranavichy for organizing street protests against rigged results of parliamentary elections and referendum. The head of Swedish diplomatic mission in Belarus, Mr. Stefan Ericsson assured Mikola Statkevich that Swedish Social Democrats are to cooperate with the party lead by Mr.Statkevich.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich Not Allowed to Go to Minsk

10:05, 26/10/2005 Administration of Baranavichy special commandant`s office denies giving the head of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich a short leave. The oppositional politician has been serving the term for three month already in a so-called “chemistry”, correctional labour colony, for organizing street demonstrations as a protest against rigged results of the referendum and elections in October 2004.

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 Mikola Statkevich Sent Video address to Participants of the Congress

12:46, 02/10/2005 The Belarusian political prisoner, leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich sent a video address to the participants of the Congress of Democratic Forces, AFN informs. “The free future of Belarus depends on you only. The authorities would try to split you. Do not give in,” Statkevich said.

Political Prisoner Mikola Statkevich Pension’s Withdrawn

10:39, 12/09/2005 Payments to the state budget to a political prisoner, leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich have been increased. Now he is to pay 50% of his military pension to the state. According to the oppositional politician, the authorities have done that intentionally, to worsen his financial condition. To his mind, a series of measures has been elaborated for insulting his honour and dignity. The oppositionist has been sentenced to two years of corrective labour for organizing street protests against rigged elections results on October 18 and 19.

Mikola Statkevich Not Allowed Minsk

10:40, 08/09/2005 Wife of the political prisoner Mikola Statkevich, Valyantsina Statkevich, lodged an appeal to the prosecutor’s office of Pershamajski district of Minsk, which prohibited her husband to visit Minsk. Her husband, the leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich, serves the sentence of corrective labour in Baranavichy for organizing street protest after the referendum last year.

Natan Sharansky Supports Belarusian Political Prisoners

13:35, 06/09/2005 A notable former Soviet anticommunist, dissident, Israeli politician and writer, one of the leaders of the ruling Likud party, a former Minister without portfolio, responsible for Jerusalem, social and Jewish diaspora affairs Until May 2005 Natan Sharansky presented his book “Fear No Evil”, which describes his experience of struggle with the totalitarian system in the USSR. One copy of the book has been sent to the imprisoned former minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Belarus Mikhail Marynich. Books will also be sent to the leader of the Strike Committee of Vendors, member of the “Free Belarus” Valery Levaneuski, who is serving a two-year term in colony for alleged labelling Lukashenka, the leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich, and the leader of the “Young Front” Paval Sevyarynets, who had been sentenced to two years of personal restraint and corrective labour for organizing protest rallies.

Mikola Statkevich Was Denied Possibility to Visit Minsk

13:51, 30/08/2005 According to the law, when the prisoner has no violations of internal order, the administration of the settlement where Statkevich serves his sentence can allow him to visit his family for up to three days. As the time for the visit has come, the administration gave the political prisoner two documents to read. One paper was from a housing maintenance and utilities board in Minsk, where Statkevich is registered. According to it, he has no debts of community charges. And the second document was sent by city police department of Pershamajski district of Minsk, saying that because of a hard operational situation, the visit of Statkevich to Minsk is undesirable”.

Belarusian political prisoner started serve punishment

14:02, 29/07/2005, фото ByMedia.net Leader of Belarusian social-democratic party (Narodnaya Hramada), coordinator of European coalition Mikola Statkevich left for Baranavichi today. He will serve sentence for organizing protest actions there.

Political prisoner Mikola Statkevich will serve sentence in Baranavichi

10:41, 29/07/2005 Leader of Belarusian social-democratic party (Narodnaya Hramada), coordinator of European coalition Mikola Statkevich will serve sentence in Baranavichi (Brest region). He was given temporary ID instead of passport and told to come to place of cerving sentence not later than evening of July 29.

Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets can be proposed work in collective farm

10:42, 21/07/2005 Within a week Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets are to be directed to serve the sentence to a place of a so-called “corrective labour”. The court of Tsentralny district accused the oppositional politicians to three years of personal restraint and corrective labour for organizing street protests on October 18 and 19, during which mass riot allegedly had taken place. The rallies were held as a protest against rigged results of parliamentary elections and referendum. The court has taken into consideration that during the investigation an amnesty had been announced, that is why Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets’ term was shortened from three to two years.

BSDP (NH) Leader’s Passport Seized

11:43, 20/07/2005 The chairman of the Belarusian Social-Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) Mikola Statkevich, who is sentenced to two years of personal restraint for organizing demonstrations against rigged results of the parliamentary elections and referendum in the October last year, was called to the police department of his district. There his passport and military service record card were withdrawn. His fingerprints were taken, his full-face and side-face pictures made. The policemen explained to the leader of the BSDP (NH) that it is done before transporting him to the place of serving his sentence next week. Policemen still refuse to answer where the leader of the Social Democrats is going to serve sentence.

Fate of Repressed Belarusians in the focus of attention of European Parliament

15:18, 01/07/2005, photo by ByMedia.net Emergence of new political prisoners in Belarus causes concern of the European parliament’s deputies. “Belarus borders on the European Union, and it is paradoxical that such situation takes place in the center of Europe,” told vice –chairman of the European Parliament Janusz Onyszkiewicz at a press conference in Minsk. He was referring to the trials over opposition leaders Mikola Statkevich, Paval Sevyarynets and Andrei Klimov, sentenced for several years of forcible corrective labour for organizing protest rallies, and arrest of the former leader of the “Respublika” group Syarhei Skrabets. The MP of the European parliament also expressed concern over disappearances of political opponents of Lukashenka in Belarus. “We still do not know what had happened to the people who disappeared relatively long ago in Belarus. This question must be elucidated indisputably. We are very concerned over the tendency of the situation’s development in Belarus,” Janusz Onyszkiewicz said.

Verdict to Belarusian Opposition Leaders Remains the Same

12:30, 28/06/2005, photo by ByMedia.net Minsk city court upheld the verdict to chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada), coordinator of the European coalition Mikola Statkevich, and one of the leaders of “Young Front” Paval Sevyarynets. The cassation appeal was filed to the verdict of the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk. On May 31 the court sentenced the oppositional politicians Paval Sevyarynets and Mikola Statkevich to three years of imprisonment for organizing a protest action on October 18-19, 2004 mass protest actions against rigged results of elections and referendum. After an amnesty the term was shortened for a year. “This case is a political order, and the order is being fulfilled step by step. But I can promise that judges in Belarus, delivering politically motivated verdicts, would hardly be able to go to Schengen states,” Paval Sevyarynets told to Charter’97 press center after the court.

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.

Latvia points to reinforcing of political repressions in Belarus

13:51, 15/06/2005 The Latvian association “Open Belarus” and the Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO) called the Latvian politicians, functionaries and the Mass Media to pay heed to Belarus where the repressions against opposition activists have been reinforced recently. An open letter was distributed among Latvian non-governmental organizations. The letter contains the information about the recent events of the Belarusian political life: huge number of political prisoners, repressions against the independent newspaper Narodnaya Volia and expulsion of the youth organizations activists from the educational establishments. Here is the text of the open letter.

EU slams Belarus crackdown

10:32, 15/06/2005 The European Union Tuesday strongly condemned the recent arrests of opposition leaders in the former Soviet republic of Belarus. In a statement worked out by EU foreign ministers, and backed by Ukraine, Turkey and other neighboring countries, the bloc said it was concerned at the "growing oppression" of opposition forces, trade unions and independent journalists, and called for the immediate release of political prisoners.

Belarusian Question Raised in European Parliament

12:11, 07/06/2005 Yesterday the European Parliament opened its June plenary session in Strasbourg. At the beginning of the sitting, during the time dedicated to one-minute speeches on matters of political importance, Jo Leinen, member of the Socialists Group in the EP, made an intervention on Belarus. He called on the Parliament to pay more attention to the deteriorating situation in this country, highly increasing repressions against members of the Belarusian democratic opposition, violation of basic human rights. Mr Leinen mentioned the recent court decision on the case of Mikola Statkevich, chairman of the Belarusian Social-Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada) and co-founder of the European Movement in Belarus as a recent example of politically motivated detention.

Lithuanian politicians to accuse political repressions in Belarus

10:43, 06/06/2005 Lithuanian politicians and parliamentarians, among whom there are leading party members as well as opposition activists criticized keenly the Minsk district court decision regarding leader of the “Narodnaya Gramada” Mikola Statkevitch and the opposition youth leader Paval Seviarynets. The Lithuanian Social Democrats will initiate appropriate applications to the EU Parliament and Socialist International.

Mikola Statkevitch: “To restore freedom in Belarus”

16:24, 03/06/2005 Leader of the Belarusian Socio-Democratic party (Narodnaya Gramada), coordinator of the Eusopean Coalition Mikola Statkevitch was discharged today after the 10-day arrest for “disrespect towards the court”. The politician refused to stand up in front of the judge who had conducted the proceeding of the criminal case initiated against him and one of the “Malady Front” founders Paval Seviarynets for organization of the protest meetings last autumn. This judge, Leanid Yasinovitch, sentenced both opposition leaders to 3 years of restraint of liberty May 31. So now Mikola Statkevitch has just a few weeks - after the appeal against the sentence will be considered, he will be sent to the so-called “chemistry”. Having left the prison, the politician gave an interview to the Charter’97 press center.

Statement of Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner concerning Belarus

15:18, 03/06/2005 I am seriously concerned by the sentencing of Mr Statkevich and Mr Severinets to three years of corrective labour for organizing a peaceful rally after the referendum in October 2004. The referendum failed to comply with the international standards for democratic elections.

Stop Repressions In Belarus!

10:29, 03/06/2005 Today, the Belarusian Center in Belgium together with the representation office of the European Coalition and the Civil Coalition “Free Belarus” in Brussels organized a picket in front of the European Parliament in Brussels in order to express solidarity with Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets, Mikhail Marynich, Valery Levaneuski and Alyaxandr Vasil`eu, Syarhey Skrabets and Andrei Klimau. Representatives of Latvia, Sweden, Slovakia, UK and Belgium who work in the European Parliament came to support the Belarusians and express their solidarity with the people of Belarus. Demonstrators hold portraits of political prisoners, disappeared persons--Yuri Zakharanka, Viktar Hanchar, Anatol Krasouski, and Dzmitry Zavadski; white-red-white and European flags; banners "Europe, pay more attention to Belarus", "Freedom to political prisoners", "No more repressions", "No repressions against the Polish minority in Belarus", "Long lives Belarus!", "Say No to the last dictatorship in Europe", and so on.

German CDU/CSU Condemns Belarusian Authorities For Verdict to Statkevich and Sevyarynets

10:41, 02/06/2005 German Christian Democrats (Christian Democratic Union / Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) protest against the verdict to Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets and express their solidarity and sympathy to them as to another victims of the regime.

Javier Solana condemns the sentencing of prominent Belarusian opposition leaders

10:24, 02/06/2005 Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following statement today concerning yesterday`s sentence handed down yesterday by the Minsk Central District Court against Mikola Statkevich, Chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party and Paval Severinets, leader of the youth wing of the Belarusian Popular Front. The two men were condemned to serve three years of correctional labour for organising protest rallies last autumn against the irregular conduct of the October 2004 parliamentary election and referendum on the extension of the presidential term.

Rolandas Pavilionis Condemns Verdict to Belarusian Oppositionists

16:18, 01/06/2005 Member of the European Parliament Prof. Rolandas Pavilionis protests against exceedingly cruel verdict to opposition leaders Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets, passed by Belarusian court yesterday, and calls it “the steps taken by the authoritarian Belarusian regime aiming to destroy the political opposition before the presidential elections planned for 2006”.

Freedom to political prisoners!

12:11, 01/06/2005 The movement Zubr protests against a cynical verdict to leaders of the Belarus opposition.

Mikola Markevich: “It’s a mean verdict”

16:52, 31/05/2005 “Such a judgement is a shame for the country and another blot on the reputation of Belarusian justice. Belarusian judges and prosecutors have forgotten that the word “justice” translated from Latin means “just court”. There is not a trace of justice here. It is a political order, another stage of endless presidential campaign of Lukashenka. Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets are selected as new victims in order to intimidate the whole society, to neutralize the most active people, those who could cause problems for Lukashenka before the elections in 2006,” told Mikola Markevich, editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Pahonya”, closed by the authorities, to Charter’97 press center, commenting on the verdict to Paval Sevyarynets and Mikola Statkevich. In 2001 the journalist together with his colleague Paval Mazhejka was also sentenced to a year and a half of “corrective labour” on charges of libelling Lukashgenka. “Restrain of liberty, or corrective labour (so-called “chemistry”), is one of the most humiliating measures of punishment for a person. The person is not only deprived of liberty, but he is to pay for his imprisonment fully out of your own pocket. I would call it slavery. It makes such sentences so mean,” Mikola Markevich is confident.

Andrei Sannikov: “It’s political reprisal in the most cynical form”

15:21, 31/05/2005 “Undoubtedly, it is a political reprisal, and moreover, in the most cynical form, as both Statkevich and Sevyarynets has already served the sentence for this political charge. Depriving Statkevich and Sevyarynets of liberty, the regime’s objective is not only isolating active, courageous people, but fights against pro-European sentiment in the society. These two leaders are those who pursue a Europe-oriented policy,” told the international coordinator of the civil initiative Charter’97, member of the Council of Civil initiatives “Free Belarus” Andrei Sannikov, commenting on the verdict to the opposition leaders Mikola Statkevich and Paval Sevyarynets. But, according to the human rights activist, by convicting opposition leaders, Belarusian authorities had fallen into a trap, as the fate of Statkevich and Sevyarynets, as well as other political prisoners, had become the main condition for development relations not only with the EU, but with Russia as well.

Belarusian Opposition Leaders Sentenced to 3 Years of Corrective Works

15:42, 31/05/2005, photo by ByMedia.net Today the chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Narodnaya Hramada), coordinator of the European coalition Mikola Statkevich and one of the “Young Front” leaders Paval Sevyarynets have been sentenced to three years of personal restraint (corrective labour). The politicians were found guilty of organizing mass protest actions against rigging of the results of parliamentary vote and referendum – Article 342 of the Criminal Code (organizing of group actions, violating public order, or active participation in them). The main complaint against Sevyarynets and Statkevich is a short interference with the public traffic during the protest rally. Deputy chairman of the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk, Leonid Yasenovich, had passed the judgement.