BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

23/05/2007

Belarus frees opposition pair early

Staff and agencies

MINSK, Belarus - Two opposition activists whose three-year prison sentences prompted condemnation of Belarus by the United States and European Union were freed Tuesday - a year early.

Following the trial, the U.S. Embassy called the sentencing a "parody of justice" while the EU's foreign policy chief called the sentences excessive.

"My conviction was politically motivated and illegal. I have nothing to repent for," he told The Associated Press after his release.

Lukashenko has made Belarus into one of Europe's most repressive societies by quashing dissent and closing down opposition media. The U.S. and the EU have imposed sanctions on him and top members of his government.

Source:

http://www.onelocalnews.com/akronfarmreport/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=113877