asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they are making to the Government of Belarus concerning (a) the beating and arrests of peaceful protesters on 25 March 2008; (b) the re-arresting of some persons recently released following European Union–Belarus dialogue; (c) requests for amendment of the law of 2002 on religious groups; and (d) generally on procedures guaranteeing freedom of religion. [HL3168]
The Government continue to have serious concerns about the lack of respect for human rights in Belarus, including religious freedom, and monitor the situation closely. Our embassy in Minsk monitors details of arrests and detentions. We work closely with our EU and US partners to raise our concerns and maintain effective pressure for improvement, including through regular meetings of EU heads of mission in Minsk where human rights, religious freedoms and options for further action are discussed.
We are very concerned by the Belarusian Government's actions against protesters involved in the demonstrations on 25 March (and on 26 April). On 29 April the EU issued a statement highly critical of recent regime actions and the French ambassador, as EU presidency in Minsk, made a formal demarche on Foreign Minister Martynov. We were similarly concerned to learn of the re-arrest of five individuals recognised by the EU as political prisoners, especially coming so soon after their release.
We are aware of a fine, equivalent to US$650, imposed upon a Protestant leader and pastor of the New Life Church for organising a signature campaign to petition amendments to the 2002 religious law. The organisers of the campaign were judged not to have registered the group collecting signatures. The harsh treatment of the New Life Church pastor reflects a wider issue about the registration of non-governmental organisations and civil society groups and human rights violations in general, about which the EU regularly raises concerns. Meanwhile, the continued curtailment of religious freedom for Christians is of concern.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will arrange a joint EU demarche calling on the Government of Belarus to implement all their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and, in particular, to cease deporting or barring the re-entry of foreign clergy and religious personnel. [HL3169]
The Government continue to have serious concerns about the lack of respect for human rights in Belarus, including the intimidation of civil society activists and detention of political prisoners, and monitor the situation closely. The continued curtailment of religious freedom, especially for Christians, is also of serious concern.
Our embassy in Minsk, along with EU partners, continues to raise human rights concerns with the authorities. They also maintain regular contacts with civil society organisations devoted to human and civil rights and observe their public demonstrations. The recent crackdown on civil society in general, including the severe sentencing of two more political prisoners, Sergei Parsyukevich and Andrei Kim on 22 and 23 April 2008 for their active participation in demonstrations in January 2008, is of particular concern especially since we understand that Mr Parsuykevich is in poor health.
We will continue to work with EU partners to keep the situation under close review.