Human rights violations committed in Belarus since the December 2010 election include persecution of opposition activists, abuse of detainees and raids on human rights organizations, including the offices of the Viasna Human Rights Center, Charter 97 and other NGOs.
During the two weeks following the 19 December peaceful demonstration, administrative courts sentenced behind closed doors at least 725 people to 10 to 15 days "administrative detention" for participating in an unsanctioned gathering. In most cases, those accused had no defense counsel and were not allowed to call witnesses. The authorities are still investigating more than 48 individuals on riot charges related to the December 19 peaceful protest, including seven presidential candidates, political opposition leaders, activists, and campaign workers. Four lawyers had their licenses revoked and one had been disbarred.
We urge the Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution condemning human rights violations perpetrated in Belarus in the aftermath of the December 19 presidential election.
