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Rights defenders appeal to UN rapporteur over possible mistreatment of Andrey Haydukow

 

Belarusian human rights defenders have sent a report about what they view as the possible mistreatment of young opposition activist Andrey Haydukow to the UN special rapporteur on torture.

In their report, the activists say that there is strong evidence that the 23-year-old man is subjected to torture in the Minsk-based detention center of the Committee for State Security (KGB). In particular, they say that Mr. Haydukow has been denied access to a lawyer.

Human rights defender Pavel Levinaw says in comments posted on http://www.protivpytok.org that many opposition figures convicted in connection with the December 2010 post-election street protest were subjected to torturous treatment in the KGB jail and denied meetings with their lawyers during that time.

According to the activist, authorities conducted no proper investigations in connection with the opposition politicians’ torture claims and no officials were penalized. “That’s why we as human rights defenders cannot wait and hope for the integrity of KGB jail officers, as it is known that impunity breeds lawlessness,” Mr. Levinaw says.

The rights activists urge the UN rapporteur to demand explanations from Minsk over Mr. Haydukow’s situation and recommend that the Belarusian authorities promptly allow the man to meet with his lawyer. //BelaPAN