Doc. 8569

5 October 1999

Political prisoners in Lithuania: the case of Mr L. Bartashavicus

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Laakso and others

    This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and only expresses the views of the members who have signed it

1.       The state of health of Mr L. Bartashavicus - one of the political prisoners in Lithuania - is a subject of grave concern. On 26 August 1999 he was sentenced to 3 years of hard labour for alleged participation in a “conspiracy to overthrow the legitimate authorities of Lithuania”.

2.       Practically ever since his arrest on 26 August, Mr Bartashavicus, who is 72 years old and a 2nd category disabled person, has been in a prison hospital. Recently his health has drastically deteriorated and he can no longer move. His wife reports that he has breathing difficulties. He may die any day.

3.       The Assembly demands that the Lithuanian authorities take immediate effective measures to save the life of a political prisoner.

4.       There are also serious grounds to expect deterioration in the health of other political prisoners. As is known, Mr Burokevicus, 73 years old, who has spent 6 years in so-called preliminary detention, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The Assembly demands immediate effective measures to prevent the death of Mr Bartashavicus and other political prisoners in the Lithuanian Republic.

5.       The Assembly requests that the Lithuanian authorities take the necessary steps to stop the inhuman treatment of their political opponents.

Signed : 1

Laakso, Finland, UEL

Angourakis, Greece, UEL

Anton, Moldova, UEL

Christodoulides, Cyprus, UEL

Einarsson, Sweden, UEL

Glotov, Russia, UEL

Jirousova, Czech Republic, UEL

Kulbaka, Russia, UEL

Mikaelsson, Sweden,UEL

Oleinik, Russia, UEL

Oliynyk, Ukraine, UEL

Pobedinskaya, Russia, UEL

Rakhansky, Ukraine, UEL

1        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG:European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left

      NR : Not registered in a group