EU makes a stand against draconian amendments to Belarusian laws

• 14.10.2011, 12:29

The European Union calls upon the Belarusian authoriies not to pass amendments which “restrict citizens’ rights”.

Maja Kocijancic, Spokesperson of the European Union's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, has commented toe Radio Svaboda the amendments to the Belarusian laws connected to financing of parties and NGOs from abroad, holding mass rallies and expanding powers of the KGB:

“With great concern we are looking at the amendments, preliminary passed by the Belarusian parliament, to the law on public associations aimed against international support of the Belarusian civil society and political opposition. As far as we understand, in the future this draft law increases restrictions on activities of the civil society and political opposition in the country, while even now they are functioning in difficult conditions and have to follow restrictive demands on their registration.

It happens in addition to the draft law on mass events, passed by the parliament last week, which is in the future restricts the right of Belarusian citizens for freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

We are also concerned by consideration of the law of state security agencies, which passing would expand powers of the KGB.

We urge Belarus not to enact these three draft laws, as they would become a serious step back in the sphere of human rights and rule of law in Belarus. We shall continue following the situation and would be ready to necessary actions in this connection.”