26 students studying abroad cannot enter Belarus

According to the committee of support of the repressed “Salidarnast”, 26 students studying abroad cannot enter Belarus due to draft problems or the possibility of political persecution. The number was announced by the leader of the youth affiliate of the United Civil Party “Young Democrats” Mihail Pashkevich. He stood trial for participation in an entrepreneurs’ protest action in 2008. Mihail informed that several people connected with the case could be subjected to criminal responsibility. “In particular, we know that criminal cases may be started against Tatstsyana Tsishkevich, Artsyom Dubski, Mihail Kryvau and Alyaksei Bondar. All of them are abroad and are afraid to return to Belarus because they may be repressed”, - said M.Pashkevich.

He noted that an opposition activist Mikita Sasim the authorities tried to draft right after he had been beaten by special police troops has been abroad for a long time. “Furthermore, Sasim had a previous conviction. Nevertheless, the military registration and enlistment office started the draft procedure”, - claimed M.Pashkevich.

The politician drew attention to the fact that an activist of the international youth organization “Malady Front” (Czechia) Dzmitry Fedaruk was delivered to Zhodzina military unit on December 30. He also had a previous conviction. Savetski District Court of Minsk returned D.Fedaruk guilty of a crime described in article 193-1 of the Criminal Code (acting on behalf of an unregistered organization) on May 29, 2007.

"It testifies to the fact that the Army applies double standards to young people who are drafted”, - thinks M.Pashkevich.

BelaPAN