Pro-democracy prisoner faces new charges in Belarus

A Belarusian prisoner will be in court again Tuesday, to face new charges following his refusal to give names and addresses of other members of a pro-democracy youth organisation.

Zmitser Dashkevich, 26, is already serving eighteen months in prison for his pro-democracy work, and now faces a further six months in detention if he is found guilty today, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The latest charges against Dashkevich have been brought under article 402 of the Belarusian Criminal Code. This refers to a "witness or victim's denial or deviation to testify".

Dashkevich is the chairman of the Belarusian youth democracy movement, Young Front. He was first detained on 15 September 2006.

On 1 November 2006, he was found guilty of participating in activities of an unregistered organisation, even though Young Front has attempted to register with the authorities five times.

On 14 August 2007, Dashkevich was charged after refusing to name his colleagues. However, the charges only became known to the public in mid-September.

At an initial hearing on 9 October, his lawyer argued that the case be rejected. However, this request was denied on 16 October when the case was sent to the court in Shklov for further investigation.

According to reports from Dashkevich's family and friends, conditions in the Shklov Prison #17 where he is being held are harsh. He is made to work long hours and visiting rights are frequently denied.

Dashkevich has received five official warnings. He may therefore be unable to benefit from an amnesty law which would allow for an early release.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide's Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: "We are very concerned for Zmitser and are calling on the Belarusian authorities to drop these latest charges against him.

"It is unacceptable that he is in prison in the first place, simply because of his peaceful, pro-democracy work. It goes beyond the pale, however, that he should now face additional prison time simply because he refused to incriminate friends and colleagues."