Justice ministry clamps down on two prominent defenders of dissidents

December 1, BPN. The Belarusian justice ministry has denied certification to lawyers Uładzimir Pylčanka and Viktar Mackievič, the Prava na Abaronu (Right to Defense) project reports.

Pylčanka defends prominent regime critics, such as Maryja Kaleśnikava, Eduard Babaryka and Iryna Słaŭnikava. Mackievič, too, represents Viktar Babaryka, Siarhiej Cichanoŭski and Aleś Bialacki. All are widely regarded as political prisoners.

The justice ministry has revoked the licenses of at least 50 lawyers since the beginning of 2021. About 100 law firms have been shut down, and about 400 lawyers have lost the opportunity to run a business.

Alaksandr Łukašenka says lawyers should be “under control.”