Human rights activists request Lukashenka to make alternative service a reality

12 non-governmental organisations from 7 countries of Europe have written an open letter to the Belarusian leader.

Human rights activists demand Alyaksandr Lukashenka to stop arresting and fining believers for their denial to do military service, Radio Svaboda informs.

In their letter human rights activists demand immediate release of Ivan Mikhajlau, a Messianic Jew, from Zhodzina prison, and dismiss all charges against him. Mikhajlau was arrested in Minsk on December 15, 2009 at his working place.

In the letter Lukashenka is also offered to annul the fine to Homel-based Jehovah Witness Dzmitry Smyk, she was fined Br 3.5 million (875 Euro) in November 2008 by the court for his denial to do military service.

The letter reminds about Article 57 of the Constitution of Belarus, which guarantees citizens of the country a right for alternative service. Besides, human rights activists mention the decision of the Constitutional Court of Belarus which back in 2000 decided alternative service would be in Belarus.