Cichanoŭskaja appeals to labor organization as unionists go on trial

December 20, BPN. As leaders of the banned Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions went on trial in Minsk, opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja called on the International Labor Organization (ILO) to take action on Belarus.

“I call on the ILO to employ Article 33 [of its Constitution] towards Belarus and demand the immediate release of ILO governing body member Alaksandr Jarašuk and other trade union leaders going on trial today. They are held as political prisoners under inhuman conditions and denied their basic rights,” she tweeted.

The trial of the congress’ chairman, ILO Governing Body member Alaksandr Jarašuk, his deputy Siarhiej Antusievič and accountant Iryna But-Husajim began in the Minsk City Court on December 20.

All three are charged with grossly disturbing public order. Jarašuk is also charged with calling for sanctions to be imposed on Belarus.

Article 33 is aimed at forcing ILO members to comply with international recommendations.