(WiPC/IFEX) – Writer and nuclear scientist Yury Bandazhevsky was refused early release by the Belarus authorities in January 2005. The WiPC of International PEN considers Bandazhevsky to be detained in violation of his right to freedom of expression. Reports that he is in ill health add to the urgency of the organisation’s call for Bandazhevsky’s […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – Writer and nuclear scientist Yury Bandazhevsky was refused early release by the Belarus authorities in January 2005. The WiPC of International PEN considers Bandazhevsky to be detained in violation of his right to freedom of expression. Reports that he is in ill health add to the urgency of the organisation’s call for Bandazhevsky’s release.
According to reports received by International PEN, the commission of the labour colony settlement where Bandazhevsky is held refused to grant him a conditional early release. He had served two thirds of his prison term, which enabled him to apply for early conditional release. His supporters claim that his application was turned down because of his refusal to sign a confession of guilt and that he had not paid legal costs.
