Watchdog

Belarusians today bid farewell to a prominent human rights defender who reportedly committed suicide over the weekend, RFE/RL's Belarus Service reports.

Yana Palyakova, a lawyer associated with rights activists and opposition movements in Belarus, was found dead on March 7.

Her funeral was held today in the central city of Salihorsk.

About two weeks ago she was found guilty of libeling a policeman and sentenced to two years of restricted freedom.

Her friends and relatives told RFE/RL that after the verdict was announced, she had proclaimed that she would never be a convict.

They blame the Belarusian authorities for her death.

The owner of the Vzglyad media holding company in the Russian city of Saratov has been severely beaten by unknown assailants, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

Vadim Rogozhin was beaten on his way to his apartment late on March 5 and his condition is very serious.

Rogozhin's colleagues said that the attack may be connected to his professional activities.

Local police have sealed the media holding company's office.