Belarus: Two Union Leaders Sentenced Despite Lack of Proof

The ITUC has described the 24 August sentencing of Belarusian trade union leaders Gennady Fedynich and Ihar Komlik, from the Radio and Electronics Industry Workers’ union REP, as a travesty of justice.

The two were sentenced to four years’ suspended imprisonment and a ban on holding senior positions for five years. They were also fined USD 23,000 and made to pay the costs of the trial.

“This is a blatant anti-union case, with no foundation in the rule of law. We are hopeful that an appeal against these unjust sentences will succeed,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

Global Union Federation IndustriALL, to which REP is affiliated, has followed the case in detail.