Investigation presses on political prisoner Autukhovich’s wife
8- 2.10.2009, 17:01
Alena Autukhovich is demanded to give evidence against her spouse.
Vital Klachko, the investigator of the Vaukavysk case, refuses to give lawyer Aleh Vouchak a general power of attorney of the Autukhovichs. Besides, he demands that Alena Autukhovich should be questioned as a witness, though the women refused to give evidence, and should give a certificate of health.
Human rights activist Aleh Vouchak calls the actions of the investigation absolute lawlessness, “Belorusski Partizan” writes.
“Alena Autukhovich refused to give evidence against herself and her family at the beginning of investigation,” Aleh Vouchak says. “She didn’t commit anything unlawful – in accordance with the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code any citizen of Belarus has the right not to give evidence against himself/herself and his or her family. No one has the right to summon relatives again.”
According to Aleh Vouchak, a letter from investigation was sent to the office, where Mikalai Autukhovich has worked, on September 30. The letter says the wife of the political prisoner must go to the investigator and give evidence as a witness and to bring a health certificate.
Entrepreneurs Mikalai Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau, and Uladzimir Asipenka were detained in Vaukavysk on February 8. On February 18, the entrepreneurs were charged under article 218 of the Criminal Code (intentional damage to or destruction of property of citizens). On June 23, a criminal case under article 359 of the Criminal Code (a terroristic act) in the form of preparation (article 13) was instigated against Autukhovich and “other persons”, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
Human rights activists consider the detained to be political prisoners drawing attention to the fact that Autukhovich and Lyavonau were convicted before and recognized prisoners of conscience by the international community.
Lyavonau was released from the pre-trial detention office in Minsk on his own recognition on August 8. All investigating activities against him were stopped.
