BHC chairperson: We have to continue our work in any situation

The reason for it was legally controversial complaints of the tax police.


BHC chairperson Aleh Hulak has given in interview to Euroradio.

Euroradio: The Ministry of Justice has pronounced the second warning to the Belarusian Helsinki Committee this year. The problem is the BHC received a grant from the European Commission many years ago and, so to speak, it did not share it with the state. How could it happen?

Hulak: “We cooperated with the European Commission and the grants were allocated in the framework of the EU’s financial assistance which was tax-free. Neither taxes, nor customs fees had to be paid – it is indicated in the International Agreement signed by the government and the European Commission. However, the state changed its legislation. Technically, the case was very complicated but we managed to convince the court that neither the activities nor the money had to be taxed. The presidium of the Supreme Economic Court took another decision only on the eve of the presidential election in 2006. All the Courts and Prosecutor’s Offices used to agree that we did not have to pay any taxes”.

Euroradio: Wasn’t the case limited to a warning?

Hulak: “There is still this debt and it is increasing, it has reached 205 million Belarusian rubles. Our accounts are frozen, our property has been confiscated and we do not have anything else. We are open, we do not hide any money, we just do not have it”.

Euroradio: Would the BCH be ready to do underground work if it was closed?

Hulak: “Nobody has to close us down. Moreover, I hope our organs of state are clever enough not to overstep the limits. In any case, we intend to continue our human rights activities in any situation”.