EU Conclusions about Suppression of Civic Society in Belarus

11.09.2003.

The European Union adopted the document where it expresses concern in connection with the closure of Hrodna NGO “Ratusha”, warning of the Justice Ministry to Belarusian Helsinki Committee and the actions of the ministry towards “Union of Poles in Belarus”. The European Union is also concerned with the Law “About mass measures in the Republic of Belarus” that has been recently signed by A. Lukashenka. It allows the authorities to prohibit political parties, trade unions, religious groups and other organizations if found guilty of even one law violation during a meeting”.

In this statement the EU also expresses its regret that the OSCE representative on liberty of mass media Freimut Duve couldn’t visit Belarus in the planned time. “It is a principal question that Heads of such institutions must have the possibility to execute their functions without any obstacles”, -- is said in the statement. The EU urges Belarusian authorities to respect this principle and take no limitations against representatives of civic society.

Henadz KESNER, Radio “Racyja”