English

Belarusian Christian Democracy's member in Mahilyow complains about «preventive» KGB supervision

A coordinator of Belarusian Christian Democracy (BCD) in the Mahilyow region has complained to the Mahilyow Regional Court and Mahilyow Regional Prosecutor's Office about his placement under "preventive" supervision of the Committee for State Security (KGB) for acting on behalf of an unregistered organization.

In his complaint, Aleh Aksyonaw accuses the regional office of the KGB of grossly violating his constitutional right to engage in civil society and political activities.

According to Mr. Aksyonaw, the KGB has not provided a single argument to prove that his political activities are illegal or dangerous to the state or the public.

In addition, the KGB went beyond its competence because preventative supervision is a prerogative of the Investigative Committee, he says.

On July 4, Alyaksandr Lukashenka issued a presidential edict that provides for individuals under preventive KGB supervision to be banned from traveling abroad.

Article 193.1, which penalizes acting on behalf of unregistered organizations, was added to the Criminal Code in December 2005, shortly before a presidential election as part of amendments that provided for harsh punishment "for activities directed against people and public security." Conviction under it carries penalties of a fine or a prison term of up to two years. //BelaPAN