(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is delighted by the unexpected release of Professor Yury Bandazhevsky, a nuclear scientist and writer on the effects of radioactive emissions on human beings. PEN is disappointed that his release was not unconditional and that restrictions will remain against him for the next five years. These include: having […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is delighted by the unexpected release of Professor Yury Bandazhevsky, a nuclear scientist and writer on the effects of radioactive emissions on human beings. PEN is disappointed that his release was not unconditional and that restrictions will remain against him for the next five years. These include: having to report regularly to the police, restrictions on travel and being barred from holding senior functions, including managerial and political ones. PEN will continue to press for the lifting of all remaining restrictions against him.
Bandazhevsky’s release was so unexpected that when he arrived at his home in Minsk on 5 August 2005, no one was there to greet him. His wife was out visiting her mother. He had benefited from a presidential amnesty to mark the 5 May anniversary of the end of World War II. Bandazhevsky told supporters of his return: “Alone, I just settled in with my cartful of stuff, my cat, my dog, my notebooks and my books.” Commenting on his present state of health, he said, “I have not lost my mind despite five years in isolation. I have continued to work and write books and I have not given up my beliefs. Prison simply reinforces your strongest convictions. . . Prison is not good for anyone. However, as a doctor, I feel that the will to live helps one to face it and hang on. Had I known this before, I would have felt stronger at the beginning. . . I have not lost the will to work and enjoy life.” His book, entitled “La philosophie de ma vie,” is due to be published in France shortly.
