Van der Linden Praises Lukašenka’s Regime in Tallinn

The Belarusians currently residing in Estonia, who were forced to leave their home country because of persecution, were astounded by the positive review of the situation in Belarus given by René van der Linden, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

During the President’s meeting with the Members of the Estonian Parliament, the situation in Belarus was one of the topics assessed. According to the statement made by Van der Linden, Belarus has no problems and the general population is content with their lives.

“I couldn’t believe this announcement” Pavel Morozau, member of the Board of the NGO New Way for Belarus, commented. “Belarus lost its observer status in the Council of Europe already in 1997 because of the kidnappings and killings of opposition forces and journalists, oppression of all manifestations of free press and constant repressions against its citizens. If the President of PACE is unaware of this situation as well as the principles of Estonian citizenship policy, he is utterly incompetent. If he indeed has knowledge of the above mentioned circumstances, his hypocrisy is unheard of.”

In April 2006 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted the resolution condemning the March presidential elections in Belarus of the same year as undemocratic and expressed disapproval of the constant persecution and harassment of democratic forces. The new law, adopted right before the presidential elections, allows for criminal convictions of people for participating in the work of unregistered organizations and for submitting “Belarus-discrediting information”  to foreign countries.

“Besides me, there are several young Belarusians living and studying in Estonia, who have been persecuted for their political beliefs. And then Mr. Van der Linden appears stating that people in Belarus are happy and if anyone is discriminated against at all, it is happening in Estonia”, stated Morozau. Morozau is currently facing criminal charges, that, if found guilty could mean a 5-year prison sentence and therefore is presently unable to return to his home country. Charges were filed after creating animations mocking president Lukašenka and his administration.

Additional information:

Jevgeni Krištafovitš
Belarus Support Group
Phone +372 5520975
jevgeni@or.ee

Pavel Marozau
NGO New Way for Belarus
Phone +372 58009188
pavel@3dway.org
www.3dway.org