OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is concerned over the confiscation of "Viasna" property

This opinion was expressed by Matteo Mecacci, the Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly human rights committee in Copenhagen on November, 28.

Mecacci led the OSCE election observation to Belarus this year and raised concerns about fundamental freedoms in the country.

 "Viasna has been one of the few sources of independent information out of Belarus and a host to others seeking to improve the human rights situation in the country, exactly the type of activity that Belarus should welcome not close off. I deeply regret the government has closed this office, but hope their important work will continue," Mecacci said. "This week's action against Viasna adds to the decision made one year ago, when authorities sentenced the chairman of “Viasna”, human rights activist Alex Bialiatski, to prison on tax evasion charges”.

"I am concerned that this decision will make it harder for Belarus to uphold its OSCE commitments," – is said in the press release of the OSCE PA. "I call on the authorities to make concrete steps forward in this regard, starting at the OSCE Ministerial Council next week."

Let us recall that Human Rights Center “Viasna” this week was deprived of its office, though claimed to continue its work. The office of the human rights center was registered as a private property of Ales Bialiatski who is confined to 4,5 years of imprisonment with the seizure of property.