YOUTH ACTIVIST DESCRIBES GOVERNMENT OPPRESSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MINSK 000024 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/15/2018 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PINR BO SUBJECT: YOUTH ACTIVIST DESCRIBES GOVERNMENT OPPRESSION Classified By: Charge Jonathan Moore for reason 1.4 (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Charge met January 14 with youth activist Andrey Tenyuta who discussed the oppression that the regime subjects him to as a result of his activities as a member of Malady Front. Tenyuta said he narrowly escaped commitment to a mental institution due to his beliefs. He also described the pressure his mother receives at her workplace and efforts by school officials to pressure students to conform to the regime's stance. He urged continued support from the international community, and especially the United States, despite the increased attention activists receive from authorities as a result. End summary. Letter From The KGB -------------- ¶2. (C) Charge met 22-year-old old Gomel-based activist Andrey Tenyuta January 14 to discuss his activities with opposition youth organization Malady Front and harassment he has received from the regime as a result. In September, Tenyuta received a letter from authorities that the Belarusian KGB (BKGB) is investigating his involvement with Malady Front. His attorney advised him that the case may be officially brought to trial some time in February. The activist remains determined, stating that he will not bow to the will of the regime, despite the possibility of incarceration. Pressure From Teachers, Forced Psychological Evaluation -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) Tenyuta recalled that during his days as a student at a technical high school, faculty and administrators pressured students to join the official Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM),and later forced them to sign documents promising they would not participate in any unsanctioned meetings or demonstrations. After he refused to sign such a letter, Tenyuta began to receive poor grades from professors and visits from the BKGB. In September 2007, when he protested the politically-motivated expulsion of a fellow student who had an exemplary academic record, he was detained by police. Following his dentention, he was forced to undergo a psychological examination based on a testimonial written by an instructor stating that he showed signs of "abnormality." He avoided a forced stay at a psychological institution only because supporters were able to pass information regarding the harassment to independent media. Education, Mother's Employment at Risk -------------- ¶4. (C) The activist described troubles he has encountered since the authorities began to take note of his Malady Front activities. On the way to taking an entrance exam for a local institute, two BKGB officers detained Tenyuta for questioning, forcing him to miss the exam and therefore making him ineligible to matriculate. He has since been accepted to an agricultural academy in Russia, but worries that he could be subjected to similar harassment from Russia's FSB. He also noted that his mother, an accountant at the Gomel Regional Executive Committee, has been pressured at her workplace. Supervisors there have stated that "they do not need employees whose children are bandits." It appears unlikely that her work contract will be renewed as a result. Welcomes Embassy Efforts Despite Increased Scrutiny -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) Tenyuta expressed hope that the Embassy will continue to visit Gomel and other regional centers to meet with opposition activists. Although several of his activist colleagues who attended one such meeting with Ambassador were subsequently subject to questioning and brief detention by police (reftel),Tenyuta emphasized the value of such Embassy support. He expressed gratitude to the Charge for the efforts the Embassy makes in supporting democracy in Belarus, noting that it is important for the regime to see that the world is watching. Comment: Student Activists Determined and Welcome Support -------------- -------------- ¶6. (C) As with his other Malady Front colleagues, Tenyuta seems at first glance to be out of his depth in a formal setting, but the passion and purpose became clear once he spoke. Tenyuta's description of his treatment by authorities illustrates well the oppressive tactics the regime uses to MINSK 00000024 002 OF 002 intimidate democracy activists. Despite the setbacks, like most activists in Belarus, he shows strength and tenacity in the face of a regime determined to suppress him. His calls for continued support from the Embassy underscore the need for regular outreach to the regions. If his case goes to trial, that event will be a key litmus test for the regime; a lengthy sentence could transform Tenyuta into the seventh Belarusian political prisoner. MOORE