Union of Poles in Belarus still under close surveillance of the authorities

Teresa Sobol (Tereza Sobal), a former head of the Polish House in Ivyanets, was questioned in a militia department on May 12.

Investigator Shulha from a militia department in Valozhyn told her a criminal case under article 120 (abuse of power) was still open. He also said she was accused of violation of part 1 of the article instead of initial charges with violation of part 2 (committed by a group of people), Radio Svaboda reports.

This information was given by Andrzej Poczobut (Andrei Pachobut), one of the leaders of the Union of Poles. He said the changing the accusation meant that the investigators think the alleged crime had been committed only by Teresa Sobol. We remind that Teresa Sobal actively supported the Union of Poles led by Andzelika Borys, unrecognized by the authorities. A criminal case was opened against her, the Polish House in Ivyanets was stormed by the militia. Teresa Sobol and other activists were forced to leave it and the house was sealed. The court of Valozhyn took a decision banning Teresa Sobol to stay in the Polish House.

According to the criminal case, Polish organizations gave material aid to Teresa Sobol and other heads of Polish houses in late 2004. The investigators say this action is classified as abuse of power.