BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

04/12/2009

Santa Claus Fights For Rights In Belarus

Nice viral video from human rights activists in Belarus who dressed up as Santa Claus to draw attention to a law that restricts unregistered organizations.

Back in October, the group, all dressed as Santa Claus, entered the state prosecutor's office with a petition admitting involvement in an unregistered Santa Claus association.

According to the Belarusian news agency BelaPAN, the Santas made the following confession:

"We have been carrying out the [following] activities: organizing New Year's Eve parties in different towns of Belarus, handing out gifts (including among minors), making speeches at meetings and in the press with congratulations."

According to Article 193-1 in the Belarusian criminal code, it is illegal to participate in unregistered civil society groups. Those found violating this statute face up to two years in prison.

The Santa action was endorsed by prominent Belarusian human rights activists including Valer Shchukin. According to BelaPAN, Shchukin said he was "ready to serve punishment for being Santa Claus."

But with Article 193-1 on the books, it looks like the Santas might well have a lonely Christmas in Belarus this year.

-- Michael Hirshman

Source:

http://www.rferl.org/content/Santa_Claus_Fights_For_Rights_In_Belarus__/1895305.html


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