Amnesty International: Another political prisoner in Belarus

• 3.02.2010, 9:09

Believer Ivan Mikhailau, arrested on February 1, has been recognized prisoner of conscience.

The court of the Minsk district sentenced Ivan MIkhailau to three months in jail.

The member of the Messianic Jewish community “New Testament” was found guilty of committing a criminal offence (draft evasion). The young man denied to do compulsory military service as it contradicts his religious beliefs. He demanded to be assigned to civilian alternative service, in line with Article 57 of Belarus' Constitution.

Amnesty International calls to release Ivan MIkhailau immediately, Radio Svaboda reports.