Front Line is deeply concerned following the detention of human rights defender Pavel Levinov. Pavel Levinov is a human rights lawyer and a member of the Helsinki Committee in Belarus. Front Line previously expressed its concern regarding the case of Pavel Levinov in an urgent appeal dated 4 April 2008.

Further Information

Posted 21/07/2008 On 26 March 2008, Pavel Levinov was arrested while observing the search by KGB agents of the residence of another human rights defender. The human rights lawyer was arrested for allegedly “using foul language”, taken to Pervomayskiy district militia station and subsequently hospitalized for high blood-pressure. On his release, Pavel Levinov initiated a hunger strike, which lasted 15 days, in protest at his treatment. Following a court hearing, which allegedly did not respect due process, Pavel Levinov was convicted and sentenced in absentia to 10-days detention and a fine of 700,000 rubles.

On 15 July 2008 Pavel Levinov reportedly met with the Public Prosecutor of the region of Vitebsk. When leaving the Prosecutor's office he was approached by members of the Special Forces (specnaz), who showed him the court ruling regarding his10-days detention and brought him to the RAUS (District Militia Station). Pavel Levinov then began to feel ill and so was brought by ambulance to the 2nd City Clinical Hospital of Vitebsk. The on-duty cardiologist, having reportedly consulted with someone by phone, refused to admit the human rights defender to hospital. When leaving the hospital, Pavel Levinov lost consciousness and recovered only some hours later.

On July 16, Pavel Levinov was again brought to the Militia Station from the resuscitation ward to carry out his sentence. Pavel Levinov is currently on hunger strike and the prison authorities are reportedly refusing to allow him access to clean water provided by colleagues. Prison guards have informed him that he can drink the prison water but he is concerned that it is unsanitary.

Front Line believes that the arrest and detention of Pavel Levinov comes as a direct result of his legitimate and non-violent activities in defence of human rights. In view of reports of his ill-health, Front Line expresses its concern for the physical and psychological integrity of Pavel Levinov.