Geneva

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has expressed deep concern at the harsh sentencing of Vasil Parfyankou in the first of dozens of trials against opposition leaders and supporters in Belarus. Parfyankou was arrested while participating in a rally protesting the outcome of the presidential elections on 19 December. “The continued detention of political opponents, harassment of civil society and intimidation of the independent media are serious human rights violations,” said the High Commissioner. She reiterated her calls for the immediate release of political detainees, including the remaining candidates. The European Continent has its own North Korea and doesn’t seem to mind the High Commissioner’s calls.