Opposition activist sacked ahead of “election”

• 25.07.2012, 11:44

The head of the initiative group of an independent candidate is to be dismissed.

Three members of the initiative group refused to gather signatures under pressure from the authorities.

On July 24, the administration of the housing and utilities office in Khotimsk handed in a written notice to gate-keeper Pyotr Baseika warning he would be dismissed “upon expiration of a contract of employment”. The local activist of Tell the Truth campaign heads a initiative group to collect signatures no nominate Valery Karankevich as a parliamentary candidate, Viasna human rights centre reports.

“The head of the personnel department brought me a notice saying I would be dismissed due to expiration of the tern of the contract in three weeks,” Pyotr Baseika says. “I refused to sign the warning notice, because I think the administration should have told me the contract would no be prolonged with me two months before the expiration date. I am a gate-keeper at the housing and utilities office. I have never had any reprimands relating to my work. I think the reason is my activity in the election team of Valery Karankevich, who wants to become an independent candidate for the “house of representatives. It's no sense in pressing on me, but I have to live on something. I will have to go to Russia to work.”

Valery Karankevich, Tell the Truth campaign's nominee, says the local authorities of Khotimsk continue to press on members of his initiative group and voters.

“Three members of my new initiative group faced serious pressure at work,” Valery Karankevich says. “They were scared and said they supported me, but would not gather signatures for me in fear they could be fired. Many voters say they were warned at work not to give their signatures for Karankevich, otherwise they will face great problems.”

Karankevich's team is going to continue working in spite of pressure. Activists do not rule out they will change their tactics and turn more attention to voters in the Krychau and Klimavichy districts.