Alyaksandr Kazulin , political prisoner

11:01 Lukashenka reminded to release Kazulin (photo)

Actions demanding to release former candidate for presidency on Belarus, political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin, are held in Belarus almost every day. Banners, leaflets, graffiti “Freedom for Kazulin!” remind the authorities to release the political prisoner. A huge banner “Freedom for Kazulin!” could be seen near the stele in Minsk yesterday, by which Alyaksandr Lukashenka drives from his residence every day. 

13:12 Navumau ready to release Kazulin if “proposed”

There are no grounds for amnesty of the former candidate for presidency Alyaksandr Kazulin, stated the Interior Minister of Belarus Uladzimir Navumau at a press-conference in Minsk on March 3. 

17:10 Alyaksandr Kazulin in interview to Voice of America: “These 3 days gave me something great and big”

Former candidate for presidency in Belarus and current political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin came back to the Vitsebsk colony №3 yesterday. Three days, which were given by the Belarusian regime under the pressure of world community to him to attend his wife’s funeral, have passed. His wife Iryna Kazulina died last Saturday from hard disease. 

16:57 Kazulin’s breaches of discipline –complains, unfastened button (full list)

The administration of the colony №3 denied Kazulin of release, because he has 10 breaches of discipline. The Charter’97 press center learnt these “breaches”. 

16:19 Kazulin denied early release

Administration of the penal colony №3 informed in written form relatives of political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin that he was denied of parole release. The official letter runs that Kazulin “gave a negative account of himself: he has 10 breaches of discipline.” 

13:02 Ihar Rynkevich: “We should speak of Kazulin’s immediate release, not about leaves”

“We shouldn’t talk about short leaves for three days, but we should say that illegally condemn Alyaksandr Kazulin must be released from the colony immediately and unconditionally. There was no crime in his actions, and sooner or later the regime would have to admit that,’ lawyer Ihar Rynekvich said in an interview to the Charter’97 press-center, commenting on the words of the head of the Internal Ministry of Belarus Uladzimir Navumau that a political prisoner Kazulin hadn’t had a right to be released to attend his wife’s funeral. 

11:37 Navumau: “Kazulin had no right for leave”

Alyaksandr Kazulin got a short-term leave in violation of the law, Uladzimir Navumau, minister of internal affairs of Belarus said to journalists. 

23:36 Kazulin got to colony at 7.59pm. Colony chiefs met him

Political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin was released from the colony for three days to attend his wife’s funeral. The opposition politician was to come back to the colony by 8.00pm Minsk time on 28 February. 

17:47 Road militia stopped Kazulin’s car on way to colony

As Volha Kazulina, daughter of the political prisoner, said to the Charter’97 press center, a car with Alyaksandr Kazulin, moving back to the Vitsebsk colony after his wife’s funeral, was stopped, when it left Minsk. Road militiamen are drawing a report on overspeeding. 

15:18 All-European action in support of Kazulin

The biggest Polish daily newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza published an article about all-European action in support of Alyaksandr Kazulin. 

15:06 Alyaksandr Kazulin: “Belarus’ future is in Europe” (Video)

During a press-conference before his return to Vitsebsk colony, a political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin stated that during the 53-day hunger strike in prison his life was saved by the people of the United States of America, as it was the US who had heard the appeal of Kazulin and raised the Belarusian question in the UN Security Council. The politician has also stated that at the moment it is absolutely evident to him that “Belarus is a European country and Belarus’ future lies in Europe”. 

13:57 Thousands of people paid last respect to Iryna Kazulina (Photo, video)

A mourning ceremony for Iryna Kazulina, wife of former presidential candidate, took place in Minsk. About 2.000 people took part in the requiem mass in the Red Church. The whole country came to pay the last tribute to Iryna Kazulina: famous writers, artists, composers and directors, leaders of oppositional parties and public organisations, representatives of youth movements, diplomats of foreign states and common citizens. 

11:54 David Kramer to arrive to Belarus only after unconditional release of Alyaksandr Kazulin

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs David Kramer won’t be able to attend funeral of Iryna Kazulina, as his visa is valid only since March 3. 

10:15 US and EU wait for final release of Kazulin

A statement of the US State Department expresses hope for early and final release of Alyaksandr Kazulin, and expresses sympathy at the untimely death of Kazulin’s wife Iryna. 

20:42 Belarusians saying last farewell to Iryna Kazulina (photo, video)

A memorial service for Iryna Kazulina, wife of the former candidate for presidency in Belarus, started at 8.oopm on 26 February. More than a thousand of Minsk dwellers and people from other towns came to the Red Church on Independence Square to say last farewell to this courageous woman. Her spouse political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin, released for three days from the colony Vitba-3 for funeral, her daughters Volha and Yuliya, Kazulin’s friends and associates attended the mourning ceremony. 

15:55 David Kramer trying to come to Kazulina’s funeral

David Kramer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State is going to attend funeral of Iryna Kazulina. 

15:43 Tadeush Kandrusevich called decision to release Kazulin “human”

The Roman Catholic archbishop of Minsk and Maholyou Tadeush Kandrusevich (Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz) believes that the decision to release Alyaksandr Kazulin for 3 days to attend his wife’s funeral is “human”. 

14:36 European Parliament’s committee offers condolences to Kazulin family

Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and other members of the committee offered condolences to Alyaksandr Kazulin’s family on the death of the politician’s wife, Iryna.\ 

14:19 Alyaksandr Kazulin: I do not have hate for Lukashenka

Alyaksandr Kazulin is not doing to apply for early release, but he is ready to sit down to the round table of negotiations with the regime. 

13:20 Administration of Maskouskiya Cemetery refused to give gravesite

Alyaksandr Kazulin, political prisoner and former presidential candidate is going to address a personal request to Alyaksandr Lukashenka on give a gravesite on Maskouskiya Cemetery for burial of his wife Iryna Kazulina. 

10:54 European Union insists on unconditional release of Kazulin

The High Representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU Javier Solana urged the Belarusian authorities to release Alyaksandr Kazulin immediately. It is stated in a document at the official website of the EU. 

5:13 Alyaksandr Kazulin: “The main thing that I can fulfil Iryna’s last will” (video)

His first interview at large political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin gave to the Charter’97 press center. Alyaksandr Kazulin has been released today for three days to take part in the funeral of his wife, who died on 23 February. The mourning ceremony for Iryna Kazulina is to take place today in Minsk. “The main thing now is that I can fulfil the last will of my beloved Iryna – to lay her to rest,” Alyaksandr Kazulin says. 

2:35 Volha Kazulina: “We can do a lot for our country!”

The daughter of the political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin, expressed gratitude to all participants of the rally in memory of her mother, Iryna Kazulina, which took place in Minsk yesterday. 

2:05 ALYAKSANDR KAZULIN AT LARGE

Alyaksandr Kazulin, political prisoner and former candidate for presidency in Belarus, has been released from the colony for 3 days today at 1.00am to take part in the funeral of his wife. 

21:00 Mourning rally in memory of Iryna Kazulina (video)

About 2.000 people with portraits of Iryna Kazulina and lighted candles moved along Independence Avenue to the Red Church. 

18:18 Belarusians came to square in memory of Iryna Kazulina (photo, video)

About 2.000 people symphonising the Kazulins family came to October (Kastrychnitskaya) Square this evening to light candles in memory of Iryna Kazulina, who died an early death. Iryna Kazulina was wife of political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin. Volha Kazulina called people to pray for her mother’s soul. The 2.000-people went to the Red Church with portraits of Iryna Kazulina and candles. 

17:27 EU commissioner urges Belarusian regime release Kazulin

The EU's external relations commissioner appealed to Belarus authorities on Monday to release jailed opposition figure Alyaksandr Kazulin and allow him to attend his wife's funeral. 

14:36 No miracles under dictatorship

Iryna Kazulina has died. Death is always unexpected and untimely. Death seriously affects those who stay. Today I dialed Iryna’s number, and an idea flashed through my mind that a miracle might happen, and I would hear her voice as usual. But a miracle hasn’t happened. 

14:13 Kazulin’s daughters have gone on hunger strike

Daughters of the political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin have gone on hunger strike at 2.00pm in protest of the fact the authorities refuse to release their father Alyaksandr Kazulin. Wife of the political prisoner Iryna Kazulina died of the serious disease on 23 February. The political prisoner wasn’t released nor given a leave to say farewell to his wife. 

Initiators of the action dedicated to Iryna Kazulina are Vitsebsk activist Alena Zaleskaya and member of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada) Hanna Latyshava. 

11:57 Market vendors plan to gather on Kastrychnitskaya Square

An activist of the movement of market vendors Mikalay Autukhovich has stated bout that at a press-conference. 

11:40 Volha and Yulya Kazulina: Let’s be together in our trouble!

Daughters of political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin Volha and Yulya addressed Belarusians with a call to come to October (Kastrychnitskaya) Square today at 6.00pm with candles and portraits of their mother Iryna Kazulina who died on 23 February. 

11:21 Slovak Embassy to Minsk condoles with the Kazulins

The Slovak Embassy to Minsk put out a special statement saying deep sympathy to the Kazulin on Iryna Kazulina’s death. 

11:03 Ministry of Internal Affairs and General Prosecutor Office don’t comment over situation on the Kazulins

Both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and General Prosecutor Office don’t officially comment on the situation over the family of Alyaksandr Kazulin, former presidential candidate, leader of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada). BelaPAN learnt it from offices of these institutions, responsible for public relations. 

11:02 Rynkevich: “Regime’s actions against Alyaksandr Kazulin illegal”

“Actions towards Alyaksandr Kazulin are not anti-human, but also illegal,” told the former lawyer of the imprisoned politician Ihar Rynkevich in an interview to BelaPAN commenting ion the latest statements of the administration of “Vitsba-3” colony. 

9:50 Administration of Colony Vitsba-3 charged with cruel treatment of Kazulin

A representative of the republican human rights association “Belarusian Helsinki Committee” in Vitsebsk region Pavel Lyavinau filed a written application to the superior officer of the colony Vitsba-3 Vital Ahnistsikau. 

9:25 Political prisoner denied right to bury his wife

Chief of the colony “Vitba-3” Vital Ahnistykau refused to speak with journalists on the morning of 25 February, but said to human rights activist Paval Levinau, he was preparing a refusal for Alyaksandr Kazulin of leaving the colony for funeral of his wife, who died on 23 February. 

9:05 Milinkevich: “Keeping Kazulin behind bars is outrage against principles of morality and humanity”

Leader of the “For Freedom” movement, former presidential candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich called the Belarusian and international community “to join their protest against further keeping of prisoner of conscience Alyaksandr Kazulin in prison and use all possible means for his immediate release and in order he can lay his wife to rest.” 

22:55 Free Theatre dedicated its latest performance in London to Iryna Kazulina

London tour of the Free Theatre has just ended. We learnt about Iryna’s death 5 minutes before the latest performance beginning. 

16:32 Kazulin’s daughters also ready to announce hunger strike

If the authorities do not allow Aliaksandar Kazulin attend the funeral of his wife, the daughters of the political prisoner will announce a hunger strike. Kazulin’s family are to wait for the resolution till afternoon of Monday, February 25, as Kazulin’s former lawyer Igar Rynkevich told Charter’97 press center. 

13:03 Aliaksandar Kazulin announced protest hunger strike

Aliaksandar Kazulin called from the colony “Vitsba 3” and announced a dry hunger strike since he wasn’t allowed to attend the funeral of his wife. 

22:09 If Lukashenka has a drop of humanity, he must release Kazulin immediately

We all are witnesses of a human drama: the head of state keeps his political opponent in prison because hates and fears him. 

21:37 Iryna Kazulina died

Iryna, wife of political prisoner and former presidential candidate Alyaksandr Kazulin, died on 23 February, at 7.40 Minsk time. The 48-year-old woman had a cancer. She felt bad and died in emergency ambulance on the way to hospital… 

14:54 European Parliament’s Resolution: Freedom to political prisoners, freedom of speech, fair election

The European Parliament at its plenary session by unanimous vote adopted a resolution on the situation Belarus. The Belarusian authorities are urged to release political prisoners, grant freedom of speech and hold free election. The document expresses solidarity with the united democratic opposition of Belarus and “all Belarusian citizens who strive for an independent, open and democratic Belarus based on the rule of law”. 

Today a political prisoner Alyaksandr Zdzvizhkou has been released. The journalist has become the sixth prisoner of conscience released over the last month. Doors of oppositionists’ prisons have opened thanks to principled actions of the US and the EU, as well as the campaign of solidarity by the democratic forces. In December 2007 the US imposed sanctions against the largest Belarusian monopolist “Belneftekhim”, while the EU for more than a year stuck to its coordinated policy known as 12 recommendations of the EU. 

9:59 Elisabeth Schroedter: “No concessions”

“Belarusian authorities will have no concessions, unless violating of human rights is stopped in the country. It’s not enough for Lukashenka to release some political prisoners, bargaining with us,” MEP Elisabeth Schroedter said in the interview to Deutsche Welle about the resolution on Belarus adopted on 21 February. 

15:42 Volha Kazulina set free

Volha Kazulina and two other people detained with her and guarded to the Tzentralny internal affairs department (Natallya Harachka and Uladzimir Nepomnyashchykh) were set free. As Volha said, no report was drawn up against her. 

11:30 Iryna Kazulina: “My husband was offered release at cost of dishonourable escape from the country”

“I would like to listen to the conditions of release offered by Lukashenka to Alyaksandr. The things said by his messenger to us were unacceptable. It would be a dishonourable flight from the country,” the open letter of the wife of the former candidate for presidency Alyaksandr Kazulin, Iryna Kazulina, published at the web site of the politician. 

10:40 Belarusians call upon all prisoners of conscience (Photo)

Rallies urging the authorities to release all political prisoners were held on January 16 in many parts of Minsk. Young activists of the civil campaign “Jeans for Freedom” gathered in the streets with portraits of prisoners of conscience. 

17:21 Volha Kazulina: “Lukashenka’s words is height of cynicism”

Alyaksandr Lukashenka admitted today he knew well about bad health of political prisoner Alyaksandr Kazulin’s wife and tried to use that situation for bargaining with the West. Iryna Kazulina is seriously ill, while her husband has been kept in prison for 2 years on political motives. Release of all political prisoners is the main requirement of the EU and the USA.