Mikalai Zalozny, Mahiliou activist of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada), has been forced to quit his job as a plumber at a state-owned hostel, after a campaign of harassment reportedly caused by the activist’s involvement in the current elections.

According to Mikalai Zalozny, he has been subjected to harassment for his activities in the campaign team of another Hramada activist and Tell the Truth member Leanid Padbiaretski. Mr. Zalozny was reportedly stripped of a number of monthly bonuses, after his manager learned he was member of an opposition candidates’ initiative group. The activist also received several reprimands. As a result, Mikalai Zalozny was offered to resign or sign a new employment contract with extremely low salary. The activist refused to do so.

“We are going to see to the matter to find out to what extent the Labor Code has been violated. In case there are some violations, we will appeal the reprimands and dismissal in court,” says Mahiliou human rights defender Barys Bukhel.

“Human Rights Defenders for Free Elections”