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.”
- Politics, SecurityBelarusian sentenced to 25 years over alleged terror plot in RussiaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyŁukašenka approves draft visa-waiver agreement with MaldivesThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsRights groups name 14 new political prisoners, total exceeds 900The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, Security
- PoliticsUN General Assembly to review human rights situation in Belarus on October 26The material is available only to POZIRK+
- SocietyEx-Kamunarka CEO given lengthy prison term in bribery caseThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsInformation ministry brands French novel about Belarus opposition as “extremist”The material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SocietySwiss prosecutors reject Hersche’s complaint over torture in Belarus prisonThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsNew Swiss ambassador arrives in MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityPoland extends restrictions on asylum requests at the border with Belarus by another 60 daysThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityEU countries report spike in irregular entry attempts from BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Society
- Politics, SecurityBelarusian, Kazakh scouts conduct a joint drill in southern BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyConsumer prices decline by 0.1 percent in AugustThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsIran’s new ambassador presents copy of credentials to Belarusian foreign ministerThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Society
- Politics
- Politics, SecurityMinsk, Moscow discuss “political-diplomatic” settlement for UkraineThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyCurrency sales exceeded purchases by $1.6 billion in January-AugustThe material is available only to POZIRK+



