Names of real terrorists still unknown

The United Nations admitted that the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights was violated in the case of Uladzslau Kavalyou.

The document received from the UN Human Rights Committee enlists 7 errors made during the investigation, court proceedings and execution of the death penalty. The document reads that Uladzislau Kavalyou's right to life was violated, Radio Svabdoa reports.

Lyubou Kavalyova, Uladzislau's mother, told journalists that the document gave her the right to say the names of criminals guilty in the Minsk metro bombing had not been called. “The authorities don't try to look for actual perpetrators of the awful terrorist attack,” she said.

Lawyer Raman Kislyak says about the violations found by international experts:

“Firstly, physical force and unacceptable methods were used against Uladzislau Kavalyou. He was forced to testify against himself. He said about it during the trial. It is a violation of both the prohibition on torture and cruel treatment and the prohibition on forcing people to testify against themselves.”

The UN experts report about other violations. For example, they found it strange that most of prosecutor's motions were granted by the judge, while most motions by defence were rejected. The experts think it casts doubts on independence and impartiality of judges.

Lyubou Kavalyova, Uladzislau's mother, told journalists that the document gave her the right to say the names of criminals guilty in the Minsk metro bombing had not been called. “The authorities don't try to look for actual perpetrators of the awful terrorist attack,” she said.

“We have gathered here to tell people about the existing system and the 'justice' allowing to declare people guilty, about investigative and court procedures and terrible sentences. Unfortunately, the death penalty was executed. Even this decision of international experts cannot return my son to me. But I want to rehabilitate him in the public eyes,” Lyubou Kavalyova says.

Human rights activist Lyudmila Hraznova, who monitored the Minsk bombing case, told Radio Svaboda she had never regarded the young men from Vitebsk as terrorists. The decision of the UN Human Rights Committee only confirms her confidence:

“Such documents are thoroughly examined by highly experienced professionals. Of course, they made right conclusions. The UN decision is another convincing argument that the court was unbiased and unfair and the results of judicial proceedings are not real. Let the public see it and make conclusions.”

As for the second man executed in the case, Dzmitry Kanavalau, his family didn't file complaints to the UN, so only the case of Uladzislau Kavalyou was considered.