Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/1413

 118 STAT. 1383 PUBLIC LAW 108–347—OCT. 20, 2004 Public Law 108–347 108th Congress An Act To provide for the promotion of democracy, human rights, and rule of law in the Republic of Belarus and for the consolidation and strengthening of Belarus sovereignty and independence. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Belarus Democracy Act of 2004’’. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States supports the promotion of democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law in the Republic of Belarus consistent with its commitments as a participating state of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). (2) The United States has a vital interest in the independ ence and sovereignty of the Republic of Belarus and its integra tion into the European community of democracies. (3) In November 1996, Lukashenka orchestrated an illegal and unconstitutional referendum that enabled him to impose a new constitution, abolish the duly elected parliament, the 13th Supreme Soviet, install a largely powerless National Assembly, and extend his term of office to 2001. (4) Democratic forces in Belarus have organized peaceful demonstrations against the Lukashenka regime in cities and towns throughout Belarus which led to beatings, mass arrests, and extended incarcerations. (5) Victor Gonchar, Anatoly Krasovsky, and Yuri Zakharenka, who have been leaders and supporters of the democratic forces in Belarus, and Dmitry Zavadsky, a journalist known for his critical reporting in Belarus, have disappeared and are presumed dead. (6) Former Belarus Government officials have come forward with credible allegations and evidence that top officials of the Lukashenka regime were involved in the disappearances. (7) The Belarusian authorities have mounted a major systematic crackdown on civil society through the closure, harassment, and repression of nongovernmental organizations, and independent trade unions. (8) The Belarusian authorities actively suppress freedom of speech and expression, including engaging in systematic reprisals against independent media. Victor Gonchar. Anatoly Krasovsky. Yuri Zakharenka. Dmitry Zavadsky. 22 USC 5811 note. Belarus Democracy Act of 2004. 22 USC 5811 note. Oct. 20, 2004 [H.R. 854]

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