The Swedish Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights is a religiously and politically independent organization. We want to promote permanent peace and a democratic development where human rights are respected in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
De som hittills lagförts enligt § 193 är medlemmar i «Malady front» (Ung front) samt «Partnjorstva» (Partnerskap):
Katsiaryna Salauyova, sentenced to a fine in 2008.
Alyaksandr Shalayka, sentenced to six months in prison in 2006. While Alyaksandr was in prison his son Matsvey was born.
Enira Branitskaya, sentenced to six months in prison in 2006. While Enira was in prison she was expelled from her post-graduate.
Mikalay Astreyka, sentenced to two years in prison in 2006. While Mikalay was in prison his daughter Lizanka was born.
Tsimafey Dranchuk, sentenced to one year in prison in 2006.
Zmitser Dashkevich, sentenced to one and a half year in prison in 2007.
Barys Haretsky, sentenced to a fine in 2007.
Zmitser Khvedaruk, sentenced to a fine in 2007.
Aleh Korban, sentenced to a fine in 2007.
Alyaksey Yanusheusky, sentenced to a fine in 2007.
Nasta Palazhanka, minor, received a warning in 2007.
Ivan Shyla, minor, received a warning in 2007.
Nasta Azarka, sentenced to a fine in 2007.
Yaraslau Hryshchenya, sentenced to a fine in 2007.
Open letter to Mr. Alyaksandr Lukashenka
President of the Republic of Belarus
Dear Mr. President,
We would like to express our serious concern regarding the trial against Ms Katsyaryna Salauyova, that is to be held on April 8 in Polatsk.
The criminal case brought against Ms Salauyova is based on Article 193-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. Article 193-1 makes it a crime to take part in activities within the frames of a non-registered organisation.
Already when adopted, Article 193 was heavily criticized by human rights organisations within as well as outside of Belarus, as there were strong reasons to believe that it could be used as a tool to suppress legitimate political opposition. Experience shows that this fear was well-founded. Up till now 13 young persons have been charged under Article 193, all of them in processes that clearly must be regarded as politically motivated.
Article 193 undoubtedly contradicts the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, where freedom of association is guaranteed. Furthermore, it is incompatible with the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (article 22), which has been signed and ratified by the Republic of Belarus.
Therefore, we urge You to eliminate Article 193 from the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus immediately, and to make sure that neither Ms Salauyova, nor anybody else, risks being punished for using their constitutional right to freedom of association.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Uggla, Chairperson, Swedish Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights
Sofia Uggla, Chairperson, Swedish Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights
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