Human rights activist Raisa Mikhailouskaia asked for political asylum in Canada

30.05.2005.

A member of the liquidated human rights organization Legal Assistance to People Raisa Mikhailouskaia asked for political asylum in Canada.

Raisa Mikhailouskaia went to Canada at the invitation of a partnership organization, but the recent events made her ask for refuge. Over the past months, according to Alieh Volchak, the head of the liquidated Legal Assistance to People, she often received calls from unidentified people who threatened her. During the parliamentary election campaign Raisa Mikhailouskaia, who worked in the team of a candidate Alieh Volchak, was attacked. She was last attacked after an action in commemoration of Iury Zakharanka on 6 May outside her house. Law enforcement agencies refused to bring action in both cases.

Raisa Mikhailouskaia is a certified lawyer. She provided legal assistance to people low income, worked on books devoted to the disappearance of famous political activists (especially Iury Zakharanka), the tragedy on the Niamiha, etc.

During elections to the local councils, Raisa Mikhailouskaia was de-registered days before the election day because she laminated her election materials for the picket (the official reason for deregistering read as follows: campaigning cost overrun).