The statement by chairman of Ostgruppen human rights initiative Martin Uggla, published in Swedish editions, says this.

Ostgruppen is a famous in Europe non-governmental organization promoting democratic development and respect for human rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Radio Svaboda reports.

As the statement says, the International Ice Hockey Federation will have a congress on May 7–9 in Berne in the frames of the ice hockey world championship, where a country hosting the championship 2014 will be chosen. A general presentation of applications is to be held today in the IIHF headquarters. Belarus’s application will be presented by chairman of the National Ice Hockey Federation Uladzimir Navumau.

The former minister of internal affairs is among the Belarusian officials banned entry to the EU and US. He is suspected of involvement in disappearances of four Belarusian opposition figures, among them militia general Yury Zakharanka. The latter disappeared 10 years ago, on May 7, 1999.

Though not a member of the European Union, Switzerland supported the EU sanctions. Nevertheless, Swedish human rights activists are indignant at the fact Navumau has arrived in this country without obstacles, website newsdesk.se writes.

“The inertia that can be seen in the leadership of the International Ice Hockey Federation arouses disappointment. Navumau became suspect not today, but many years ago. Nevertheless, calls by human rights defenders not to allow this person entry to Switzerland were not taken into consideration,” Martin Uggla emphasizes.

According to him, sporting organizations must agree with international principles in human rights. People like Navumau mustn’t have access to such events as world championships, the human rights activist thinks.

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