Vitsebsk human rights activists protest against Leanid Svetsik’s persecution

Members of the public have written a statement calling the case of a human rights activist Leanid Svetsik “politically motivated”.

As the BelaPAN informs, the statement has been signed by 17 community leaders.

The signees of the statement note that since June 10 a trial over Svetsik is held in Vitsebsk. He is charged with inciting ethnic and religious discord by sending letters on behalf of the unregistered organisation “Russian National Unity” (RNE).

The statement reads that at 12 sessions of the court testimony of wronged persons and witnesses in the criminal case of Leanid Svetsik were listened to. The case was opened on May 20, 2008 by the KGB Directorate of Vitsebsk region, documents and proves were studied.

“The side of the defense has submitted more than 30 motions, stating violations of the Code of penal procedure of Belarus when holding preliminary investigation. However, during the proceedings judge of Vitebsk regional court Halina Urbanovich didn’t grant any motions submitted by Svetsik. By such actions the judge showed its bias, evident interest in the decision in favour of the prosecution. That is why during the proceedings three wronged persons out of five applied for removal of the judge, and accused L. Svetsik has entered requisition to the s prosecuting official,” the statement underlines.

Knowing Svetsik as a principled fighter for human rights, including the right of national self-determination, the authors of the statement consider the case of Leanid Svetsik “not a criminal, but a political” trial, and demand “objective, in-depth consideration of Leanid Svetsik’s case by competent, independent and unbiased court”.

“We believe that the criminal prosecution by the KGB and this criminal trial are revenge to Svetsik for his human rights activities. But the most important thing is, they want to isolate him as an efficient human rights activist before the beginning of the next presidential election campaign,” the statement underlines.

Among the persons who have signed the statement are representatives of the initiative group for creation of the public association of Belarusian pensioners “Our Generation” Alena Zalesskaya and Antanina Pivanos, a businessman Syarhei Parsyukevich, a human rights activist Khrystafor Zhelyapau, and politicians Alyaksei Haurutkin, Yan Taupyha and Yan Dzyarzhautsau.