International Trade Union Confederation condemns prison sentences for Belarus’ trade union leaders

December 27, BPN. The International Trade Union Confederation (UTUC) has condemned the prison sentences handed down on Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions (BCDTU) leaders on December 26.

Chairman Alaksandr Jarašuk was sentenced to four years in prison; his deputy Siarhiej Antusievič, to two years; and accountant Iryna But-Husajim, to 18 months. All three were found guilty of organization of/active participation in group actions grossly disturbing public order in connection with protests that followed the 2020 presidential election. Jarašuk was also convicted of calling for sanctions.

“The court trial itself was implemented in a procedurally correct manner, but our colleagues are sentenced under articles that themselves violate international obligations, including ILO [International Labor Organization] Conventions, but also the Constitutional rights of Belarusian citizens,” said Boris Kravchenko, president of the Confederation of Labor of Russia and vice president of the ITUC who observed the trial and provided testimony. 

“The application of these articles to trade unionists is absurd. We will continue fighting for their full rehabilitation, for restoration of the BKDP [BCDTU] and for freedom of association in the Republic of Belarus.”