Vol. 2, No. 7

February 1999

IN THIS ISSUE:

FASCISTS ATTACK ON CHARTER 97 LEADERS IN MINSK; SANNIKOV HURT

Activists from Charter 97 in Belarus, a civic human rights movement working in partnership with the International League for Human Rights, were attacked by fascist thugs. Andrei Sannikov, Charter's international coordinator and a former deputy foreign minister of Belarus, was beaten unconscious and suffered broken ribs, a broken nose, bruises, and a concussion. Dmitry Bondarenko and Charter press secretary Oleg Bebenin were also severely beaten.

On February 5 night as they left their office on Skaryna Avenue they noticed some teen-aged youths, wearing the distinctive black berets and swastika-like symbols on red armbands and buttons typical of the "RNE," the Russian initials for the Russian National Unity party founded in Russia. The youths were handing out copies of "Russian Order," the RNE's newspaper. When two youths thrust some leaflets at the Charter activists, there was an exchange of words, and in a minute, 20 Barkashev followers converged upon them, now with older men in their 20s, and beat and kicked them viciously. The Charter members heard an older man of approximately 30, sporting camouflage fatigues and an RFE armband, give directions to the youngsters, telling them whom to beat.

Passers-by asked a police patrol car which cruised by the scene to call for an ambulance but the car left and apparently failed to report the attack. Sannikov and Bebenin managed to get to a hospital, where Sannikov was x-rayed and treated. When Charter members sought a report from the hospital, its authorities said nothing happened, that there was no such diagnosis, and alleged that they were making it up. Sannikov has gone to an independent doctor to have x-rays done, along with a medical check up. This doctor confirmed that three ribs and his nose had been broken. The Charter members tried to get the police to request a copy of the x-rays from the hospital, so that they can have the medical record recognized.

The Belarusian branch of the Russian National Unity party, led by Alexander Barkashev in neighboring Russia, has grown more active in Belarus in recent weeks, as Russian officials are attempting to curb the fascistic movement. Apparently, the self-proclaimed fascist movement has found a warmer reception in Belarus, where such extremist manifestations have been tolerated under President Lukashenko, known for publicly expressing his admiration of Hitler, and for supporting rallies of conservative activists who favor a merger with Russia and a restoration of the former Soviet Union.

An investigation has been opened at the Partisansky District Police Station based on the Charter activists' complaint of the assault. Dmitry Bondarenko, member of the Charter organizational committee, is concerned about police bias clearly visible in the investigation of the case -- the police investigator said to Bondarenko "I'm not against any party, even a fascist party and fascist ideas." The police investigator is repeating a point articulated once by Lukashenko, to the effect that even bad parties or movements have their silver linings. On February 10 Andrei Sannikov was questioned.

Several journalists have interviewed RNE Regional leader Gleb Samoilov who replaced Andrei Valiulin, the latter apparently lives mostly in Russia. Samoilov boasted that they have excellent relations with authorities, some government employees are their members, they even patrol the streets in Minsk together with the police. He admitted the accident but said that it was

provoked by Charter 97 activists. (ILHR, February 8-9)

LUKASHENKO’S COMMENTS

On February 9 the Belarusian TV broadcasted the Lukashenko’s comments on the incident during his meeting with "vertical". Particularly he said: "They say that some fascists have appeared in Minsk and have beaten somebody up. Do you know whom they have beaten? Other fascists!" He added that the whole incident was contrived by the opposition that needs scandals. He doubted that Sannikov was really beaten, because "it is hard to believe that kids [sic] could beat an adult". Later in an interview to Russian TV he hysterically accused Sannikov of fueling antagonism toward Russia and of having territorial claims on Smolensk, Bryansk and Pskov regions. (ILHR, February 12)

RNE SCUFFLES WITH MALADY FRONT A brawl between activists from Malady Front, the youth wing of the Belarusian Popular Front, and the RNE (Russian National Unity), took place on the evening of February 4 near the Victory Square underground station in Minsk. Several RNE members were giving out copies of a newspaper that contained a speech by their organization's leader, Alexander Barkashov, near an entrance to the underground. As they were doing it, a group of Malady Front representatives approached them, and the RNE members were forced to leave after a short scuffle. Then, Malady Front activists visited a few more city locations where RNE members were gathered; however, there were no more clashes. (Belapan, February 5)

BPF ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF INDULGING FASCISTS

The leadership of the Belarusian Popular Front has made a statement with regard to the beating of Charter 97 activists. "The police were not reacting to the incident, and in fact, indulging the criminals... Lukashenko’s regime, which is destroying the Belarusian language and culture; which is ruining democracy and independence, at the same time cultivating the soil for the coming of Russian fascists to peaceful Belarus… The regime, which has openly teamed up with Russian Nazis, is anti-people and anti-Belarusian. Its shameful demise is inevitable," the BPF statement reads. (Belapan, February 9)

ECOLOGICAL PARTY DEMAND TO STOP FASCISMThe Belarusian Ecological Party issued a statement regarding the recent aggression of the Russian National Unity members toward Charter 97 activists. "Belarus is famous in the world as a country that never submitted to fascism. Now, on the Square of Victory [in WW2], fascists slaughter Belarusian citizens. This time it is Russian fascists," reads the statement. It reminds that "German fascism started from fights in Munich pubs and resulted in extermination camps all over Europe. If we don't want once again to see Belarusian people depart through the chimneys of crematoriums, we should demand that the authorities extirpate fascism from Belarusian soil." (Radio 101.2, February 11)

US CONGRESS SUPPORTS BELARUS’S DEMOCRATIC FORCES

On February 9, Congressman Christopher H. Smith, co-chair of the House Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, drew the attention of his colleagues to the resent developments in Belarus, pointing out that 1999 will be "a critical year for that country ". In particular, he said: "The Congress of Democratic Forces was held in Minsk last month. It demonstrated the resolve of the growing democratic opposition to authoritarian President Lukashenko and the determination by the opposition to have free, democratic elections consistent with the legitimate 1994 constitution. Earlier last month, on January 10, members of the legitimate Belarusian parliament, disbanded by Lukashenko after the illegal 1996 constitutional referendum which extended his term of office by two years to 2001, set a date for the next presidential elections for May 16. According to the 1994 constitution, Lukashenko's term expires in July. Not surprisingly, Lukashenko rejects calls for a presidential election.

Local elections are currently being planned for April, although many of the opposition plan not to participate, arguing that elections should be held only under free, fair and transparent conditions, which do not exist at the present time. Indeed, the law on local elections leaves much to be desired and does not provide for a genuinely free and fair electoral process. The local elections and opposition efforts to hold presidential elections must be viewed against the backdrop of a deteriorating economic situation. One of the resolutions adopted by the Congress of Democratic Forces accuses Lukashenko of driving the country to "social tensions, international isolation and poverty." As an example of the heightening tensions, just last weekend, Andrei Sannikov, a former deputy foreign minister of Belarus and leader of the Charter 97 human rights group, was brutally assaulted by members of a Russia-based ultranationalist organization. Additionally, Lukashenko's moves to unite with Russia pose a threat to Belarus’s very sovereignty.

Recently a staff delegation of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe traveled to Belarus, raising human rights concerns with high-ranking officials, and meeting with leading members of the opposition, independent media and non-governmental organizations.

The staff report concludes that the Belarusian Government continues to violate its commitments under the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and that at the root of these violations lies the excessive power usurped by President Lukashenko following the illegitimate 1996 referendum. Although one can point to some limited areas of improvement, such as allowing some opposition demonstrations to occur relatively unhindered, overall OSCE compliance has not improved since the deployment of the OSCE's Advisory and Monitoring Group almost a year ago. Freedoms of expression, association, and assembly remain curtailed. Administrative and economic measures are used to cripple the independent media and NGOs. The political opposition has been targeted with repression, including imprisonment, detention, fines, and harassment. The independence of the judiciary has been further eroded, and the President alone controls judicial appointments. Legislative power is decidedly concentrated in the executive branch of government.

The Commission staff report makes a number of recommendations, which I would like to share with my colleagues. The United States and OSCE community should continue to call upon the Belarusian Government to live up to its OSCE commitments and, in an effort to reduce the climate of fear which has developed in Belarus, should specifically encourage the Belarusian Government, inter alia, to:

1.Immediately release all political prisoners, including Alyaksandr Shydlouski, Andrei Klimov, and Vladimir Koudinov;

2. stop harassment of opposition activists, NGOs and the independent media and permit them to function;

3. allow the opposition access to the electronic mass-media and restore the constitutional right of the Belarusian people to free and impartial information;

4. create the conditions for free and fair elections in 1999;

5. restore the rule of law, beginning with the allowance for an independent judiciary and bar.

With Lukashenko's term in office under the legitimate 1994 Constitution expiring in July 1999, the international community should make clear that the legitimacy of Lukashenko's presidency will be undermined unless free and fair elections are held by July 21. The United States and the international community, specifically the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, should continue to recognize only the legitimate parliament - the13th Supreme Soviet - abolished by Lukashenko in 1996, and not the post-referendum National Assembly hand-picked by Lukashenko. Two years ago, the United States - and our European allies and partners - denounced the 1996 referendum as illegitimate and extra-constitutional. The West needs to stand firm on this point, as the 13th Supreme Soviet and the 1994 Constitution are the only legal authorities. It is vital for the United States to continue to speak out in defense of human rights in Belarus, to promote free and democratic elections this year, and to encourage meaningful dialogue between the government and opposition." (Congressional Record, February 9)

LUKASHENKO ATTACKS OPPOSITION'S ATTEMPTS TO "DESTABILIZE SITUATION"

Lukashenko has launched an attack on some businessmen and shuttle traders who have joined the opposition and "are trying to destabilize the situation in Belarus". Addressing a meeting on the socio-economic developments, which was broadcasted by Belarusian radio on February 9, Lukashenko said that by demanding new presidential elections this year these individuals violate the Constitution. Lukashenko has threatened to "wring the neck" of the opposition "as soon as these activities – sharetskis’ ... and other’s - reach a certain level". "I want to publicly warn some businessmen who are attempting to destabilize the situation now. I warn everyone that we will not allow our country to be destroyed. You should clearly understand the situation and the consequences. But I do not want to make it dramatic. We have enough strength to treat these shabby fellows. We will not allow them to cause turmoil in the republic. (BBC, February 12)

HEARINGS ON STAROVOYTOV’S CASE CONTINUEOver 40 people have already been questioned on two aspects of the criminal case: making personal loans and changing the by-laws of the Rassvet Joint Stock Company. Vera Stremkovskaya, Starovoitov’s attorney, does not question the very fact of making the loans, stating that it does not sustain the criminal charges as there was no personal enrichment for Starovoitov. "The head of Rassvet followed the laws of market economy, he experimented, sometimes going ahead of official economic developments. It is not Starovoitov, who is on trial, it is market reforms, which he tried to introduce into our economy," said Stremkovskaya. (Radio 101.2, February 11)

TURNING INTO "CYNIC MURDER"

Gary Pogonyailo, preeminent civil rights advocate who is serving as a public defender of Vasily Starovoitov, the ex-chairman of the Rassvet collective farm, issued a statement urging an immediate release of his defendant. Pogonyailo appealed to the UN Commission for Human Rights, EU, the OSCE, COE, and the governments of democratic countries "to avert the death of this outstanding person". The 15 months that Starovoitov spent in pre-trial detention seriously affected his health: In addition to the exacerbation of his chronic diseases, he also acquired lymphatic tuberculosis and a hernia. Psychiatrist Valery Budakov came to the conclusion that "Starovoitov’s suffering from such serious diseases coupled with his age do not allow him to apprehend correctly the course of trial. He needs immediate hospitalization."

Garry Pogonyailo is confident that the court was provided with "a fabricated conclusion of expert medical testimony asserting that there is no contra-indications for keeping Starovoitov in custody." "Such treatment of an old, sick, half-blind person….should be considered as brutal and inhumane. The Belarusian authorities are committing a cynic murder of Vasily Starovoitov, depriving him arbitrarily of his life," Pogonyailo’s statement states. (Belaruskaya gazeta, February 9)

TRADE UNION MEMBER GOES ON HUNGER STRIKE On February 9 Georgy Mukhin, a worker at the Minsk Tractor Plant, started a hunger strike on the territory of the factory. Mukhin is a member of the Belarusian Free Trade Union and a deputy chairman of the recently established Republican Strike Committee. Mukhin is protesting against the failure of the MTP management to fulfill its obligations under the collective treaty, RSC’s head Sergei Antonchyk commented. (Radio 101.2, February 9)

ANOTHER TRIAL OF OPPOSITION ACTIVIST

On February 11, Alexander Abramovich, leader of the Borisov branch of the Narodnaya Hramada (Social Democratic Party), stood trial for the alleged organization of an unauthorized demonstration on the Borisov's central square on January 23. The demonstration was staged by nine members of the NH and the Belarusian Popular Front near the City Hall. The protesters held forbidden white- red-white flags and placards saying, "Russia means Hunger and Wars!", "Hands Off Free Belarus!". Abramovich was charged with a violation of Article167 of the Administrative Code. He and the other demonstrators pleaded not guilty, saying that freedom of assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution. (Belapan, February 9)

DOZENS OF BELARUSIANS PROTEST OPRESSIONS

On February 10 several dozen members of the opposition picketed the Belarusian Interior Ministry, demanding the release of political prisoners. "All these people were sentenced as criminals, but in fact they were sentenced for their active stance against the Lukashenko regime," said a picket organizer Ludmila Gryaznova, deputy of the 13^th Supreme Soviet. The protest was sanctioned by the authorities and no clashes with the police were reported. (Reuters, February 12)

SEVERINETS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF MALADY FRONT

The Second Soim (Congress) of Malady Front was held on February 7 in Minsk. Semyon Sharetsky, speaker of 13^th Supreme Soviet, addressed the Soim, urging Malady Front members to support the 1999 presidential elections. Gennady Karpenko, a vice speaker of 13^th Supreme Soviet, stressed the importance of the youth unity. Pavel Severinets, a former political prisoner, was elected the Malady Front chairman. (Radio 101.2, February 8)

BELARUS AND GERMAN NGO DISSCUSS COOPERATION ISSUES

From February 5 to 7 representatives of Belarusian and German civic movements met in Izerlon, Germany to discuss cooperation between NGOs from the two countries. The meeting was attended by governmental representatives from the lands of Northern Rein – Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, IBB, Dresden Bank, Federal Institute for East-West Studies. Belarus was represented by Nikolai Statkevich, leader of Narodnaya Hramada, and Nina Stuzhinskaya, president of Belarusian Women’s League. (Radio 101.2, February 8)

VINNIKOVA CASE POSPONED

On February 7, Oleg Bozhelko, Prosecutor-General of Belarus, commented on the case of Tamara Vinikova, a former chair of the National Bank of Belarus. Particularly he said: "Because of poor health, Vinikova has been receiving extensive medical treatment. No investigatory actions will be undertaken prior to her complete recovery." (BBC, February 10)

TRADE UNIONS OBJECT TO RE-REGISTRATION DECREE

The Belarusian Trade Union Federation has urged the Belarus authorities to revoke the President’s decree on re-registration of political parties, trade unions and public organizations. (Radio 101.2, February 9)

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION REGARDED AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

"The Belarusian Prosecutor’s-General Office will regard the opposition’s activities in staging so-called presidential elections as an attempt to destabilize society," Prosecutor-General Oleg Bozhelko told a news conference on February 7. "We have informed everybody about our position through the mass media and warned that if similar illegal actions continue, we will regard them as nothing but an attempt to seize state power by unconstitutional means, with intent to destabilize the situation in society. So it is only natural that we thoroughly monitor the process which is underway and the situation which is taking shape, and if this warning fails to have the appropriate effect, then, as we said before, those guilty will be brought to administrative and criminal responsibility," Bozhelko stated. (BBC, February 10)

…AND ILLEGAL

According to Lukashenko, there is no legal basis for the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections this year as the opposition and West insist. "On what basis can I possibly call the presidential elections if under the Constitution my presidential term has not yet run out? I can only agree to the elections if I resign. But who can guarantee that all those fascist lads - from the right or the left - won't turn the country upside down?" Lukashenko stated. (ITAR-TASS, February 9)

FORTY-FIVE DEATH SENTENCES CARRIED OUT IN 1998

Oleg Bozhelko, Belarusian Prosecutor’s-General, told a news conference on February 7 that 45 death sentences were carried out in 1998. Two people were sentenced to life imprisonment. "We did not have such practice, so these life-imprisonment cases are handled with some caution," he commented. (BBC, February 10)

BANK CHIEF MEETS IMF DELEGATION

On February 8, Thomas Wolf, head of an IMF mission, which is assessing the possibility of extending a loan to Belarus under the Compensatory and Contingency Financing Facility, met Pyotr Prokopovich, head of the Belarusian National Bank. The mission is visiting Belarus to find out whether the country has met its financial commitments in order to receive the loan. During the meeting, Prokopovich assured the IMF experts that Belarus had met all the targets agreed with the Fund. The IMF experts are expected to hold one more meeting with National Bank officials before leaving Minsk on February 12. A final decision as to whether the IMF will give the $100 million loan to Belarus is to be made by the IMF board. (Belapan, February 8)

LUKASHENKO WILL END ECONOMIC WOES BY NEXT OCTOBER

On February 9, Lukashenko urged the government to pull Belarus out of the economic slump by October 1. He said he meant bringing the situation back to the level of the summer of 1998. "You have enough power to provide for your people. Act strictly and decisively," Lukashenko said at a government meeting on the economy shown by state television. "We have a manageable country. We have fairly rigid authorities. We are the only republic in the CIS which is envied because we have order," Lukashenko said. (Reuters, February 10)

LANDSBERGIS BACKS IDEA OF PRO-DEMOCRACY RADIO

On February 8, Vytautas Landsbergis, speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament, told a news conference in Vilnius that the initiative of setting up a Baltijos Bangos [Baltic Waves] radio station broadcasting to Belarus on the territory of Lithuania "should not be condemned". The objective of the station, according to Rimantas Pleikys, a senior member of the governing Conservative party and the author of the project, is to convey "objective information" in Belarusian and Russian about life in Belarus. (ITAR-TASS, February 8)

LUKASHENKO ACCUSES LITHUANIA AND POLAND OF ELECTRONIC ESPIONAGE