BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

01/11/2007

Belarusian Opposition Appeals To Lukashenka For Former Candidate's Release

A group of Belarusian opposition politicians has sent an appeal to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka asking him to free imprisoned former presidential candidate Alyaksandr Kazulin, Belapan reported on October 31. Kazulin, who ran in the March 2006 elections, was arrested during antigovernment demonstrations that followed the polls, and sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for organizing events that disturbed the public order. The appeal was signed by United Civic Party leader Anatol Lyabedzka, Belarusian Popular Front deputy head Viktar Ivashkevich, Belarusian Party of Communists leader Syarhey Kalyakin, and Youth Front activist Pavel Sevyarynets, among others. They urged Lukashenka to "show civil courage and honesty, and use your power for good -- the immediate release of Kazulin from prison." Kazulin's daughter, Volha Kazulina, has sent a similar appeal to Lukashenka. According to Kazulin's former lawyer, Ihar Rynkevich, judicial authorities are prepared to review Kazulin's case, which he described as politically motivated, but cannot make a move without approval from Lukashenka. AM

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2007/11/3-cee/cee-011107.asp