Fined for Spreading Brochure with Report by the UN Human Rights Rapporteur on Belarus

31.03.2006.

Vasil Andrasiuk, who lives in Staroye Sialo village, Zhabinka district of Brest region, was fined for distribution of a brochure with report made by Adrian Severin. Adrian Severin is the UN human rights rapporteur on Belarus.
The police detained Andrasiuk in Brest as long ago as January 17. They found 447 copies of the brochure: “Republic of Belarus: Violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world”. The brochure contained the report by Adrian Severin, human rights rapporteur on Belarus, which he made at the session of the UN Commission on Human Rights last April.

The police accused Vasil Andrasiuk of distribution of printed materials in violation of the established order. They seized all copies of the brochure and sent the case for consideration by the administ rative commission. During the hearing representatives of the UN office in Belarus referred to the Declaration, which says spreading information and knowledge about universally recognized human rights should be encouraged and protected. However, the Leninski administrative commission of Brest decided otherwise. The commission ruled to fine Andrasiuk 100, 000 BYR (around USD 50) and confiscate all copies of the brochure.

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