UCP spokesperson seeks help from Russian embassy over deportation

Press secretary of the opposition United Civil Party (UCP) Anna Krasulina who is facing deportation from Belarus to Russia for one year has sent with registered mail a statement to the Russian embassy in Minsk about "the violations of the Russian Federation citizens," reports tut.by.

Euroradio reported earlier that the Belarus authorities had ruled to deport the woman. She must leave Belarus by 30 November. Krasulina is a citizen of Russia, has lived in Belarus since 2002, has a residence permit. The decision to deport her was based on the administrative offences: two participations in unauthorized rallies and a fine for riding on a public bus without a ticket. Although Krasulina had paid all the associated fines, the decision on deportation was justified by "the interest of public safety."

Krasulina wrote in her letter to the Russian embassy that she permanently lived in Belarus with her husband, son and daughter. Her parents, disabled pensioners, are also Russian nationals but have lived in Belarus since 2006.

The activist describes her deportation as an unjustified and unreasonably harsh measure. In her view, provisions in the "Law on on the legal status of foreign citizens and persons without citizenship in the Republic of Belarus" set out rather vague grounds for deportation of foreigners and create "numerous opportunities for the decision-making authorities for interpretation." Krasulina also refers to the agreements signed by Belarus and Russia on the Union State, in which they declare the equality of the rights of citizens, including the right to move freely and select the place of residence.

Krasulina stresses that neither she nor her parents has property or housing in Russia. "I am a person with 3rd-grade disability. I am not currently employed. My deportation means that I will be separated from my family and puts me into the situation dangerous for my health and life. My parents, the citizens of the Russian Federation, have lived in Belarus since 2006. Now that they are retired and having serious health problems, they are left without my assistance for the whole year. As a citizen of Russia, I am informing you about the violation of my rights and interests as well as the interests of my parents," Anna wrote in her letter to the embassy.

Several Belarusian and EU politicians have spoken in defense of Krasulina. She was also received by the UK ambassador who promised to inform her government about deportation.