English

Journalist Volha Klaskowski fighting deportation from Sweden

Belarusian journalist Volha Klaskowski is fighting her deportation from Sweden, where she was granted political asylum several years ago, said BelaPAN.

Ms. Klaskowski, 30, lost her status of refugee after returning to Belarus in 2011 to help the family of her brother Alyaksandr Klaskowski, a former policeman who was arrested during a December 2010 post-election street protest in Minsk and sent to prison for participation in mass disorder.

In May 2011, she was arrested in her brother's apartment and beaten up by police.

The woman left Belarus in August 2011, one month before her brother was pardoned by Alyaksandr Lukashenka and released from prison. She married a Swede about a year ago and gave birth to their son in July 2012.

Ms. Klaskowski, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, has already applied for a Swedish residence permit. "Under the law, I have the right to stay in Sweden until a decision is made [on the application], but I am told that my 11-year-old daughter and I must leave," she said.

Sweden's authorities insist that Ms. Klaskowski should leave the country and apply to a Swedish diplomatic mission for a family reunion visa.

"My husband is in shock at what is going on but cannot do anything," the woman added.

The Belarusian House in Prague and a group called Razam (Together) have appealed to the Swedish government to allow Ms. Klaskowski to stay in the country.