TOS Weissrusland staff denied visa extension

Homel Region's administration has refused to assist several German citizens, the managers of the Center for Rehabilitation TOS Weissrusland in the Svetlahorski district, to have their working visas extended.

The center's staff on June 12 received a negative respond to their letter from Alexander Yakabson, the chairman of the Homel Regional Executive Committee. Visa extension was denied on the grounds that the Germans did not rectify some mistakes in their operation. According to the center's sfaff, the local authorities had actually not carried out any inspection at the center.

In early May, 75 parents of former drug addicts and 13 staff requested Yakabson to help issue working visas to the German citizens who are founders and managers of the center. In March 2008, the Ministry of Justice issued a warning to the center's management. Shortly after, the local district committee in Svetlahorsk refused to write a letter of invitation to the Germans.

The center's staff plans to seek assistance from the Office of the President.

TOS Weissrusland was founded in 1998 and officially launched in 2000. While in operation, only ten percent of patients resumed taking drugs, but some 90 people successfully underwent a rehabilitation course. Seven former drug addicts now work with the center to help other patients to get rid of the dangerous addiction.