WASHINGTON – Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), Chairman of the United States Helsinki Commission, announced that the Commission will hold a hearing to discuss the complete absence of political freedom in Belarus and the implications this has on its upcoming elections.
“Freedom Denied: Belarus on the Eve of the Elections”
Thursday, March 9, 2006
2:00-4:00 PM
Room 138, Dirksen Senate Office Building
Presidential elections in Belarus are scheduled to be held March 19, against the backdrop of stepped up repression by the regime of Alexander Lukashenka – Europe’s last dictator. The Belarusian strongman’s power grab, begun a decade ago, has included liquidation of the democratically elected parliament, a string of fundamentally flawed elections and manipulation of the country’s constitution to maintain power. A climate of fear following the disappearance of leading opposition figures in 1999 has continued with the harassment and arrests of opposition activists and the forced closure of independent newspapers. Rights violations in Belarus have intensified in the aftermath of the Orange Revolution in neighboring Ukraine, as the regime seeks to squelch dissent. The repressive environment has made it difficult for opposition candidates to engage in normal campaign activities. Meanwhile, administration of the elections at all levels remains firmly in the hands of Lukashenka loyalists.
The Commission hearing will examine developments in Belarus in the lead up to the elections, including the pre-election crackdown, efforts to foster democracy and civil society, the international community’s increased focus on the country as well as post-election policy options.
Testifying before the Commission will be:
Representative of the U.S. Government
David J. Kramer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Witnesses from NGOs
Stephen B. Nix, Regional Program Director, Eurasia, International Republican Institute
Rodger Potocki, Senior Program Officer for East Central Europe, National Endowment for Democracy
Iryna Vidanava, Belarusian Activist, Editor-in-Chief, Students’ Thought
Celeste A. Wallander, Director of the Russia and Eurasian Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies
