Valery Levaneuski
Valery Stanislavovich Levaneuski (, , ) is a Belarusian political and social activist, and former political prisoner. Amnesty International recognizes him as a prisoner of conscience. Biography Valery Levaneuski was born on 15 August 1963 in Grodno in a large family. In 1979, candidate for master of sports boxing. In 1980 began working career with work as a fitter in mechanical workshops. From 1980 to 1982 served in the Soviet Armed Forces. Expert of Soviet and Bulgarian Army. 1985–1991 – adjuster of radio electronics, mechanic of control and measuring devices and apparatus, engineer in various Grodno enterprises. In 1991 registered as an entrepreneur. Directed Grodno regional union for protection of taxpayers’, consumers’ and drivers’ rights, Grodno information and legal center, and Grodno consumer protection center. Since 1996, Valery Levaneuski has been under close scrutiny by the authorities and subjected to searches, confiscation of property and questioning over various charges. Since 1996, he leads the strike committee (so-called Stachkom) of entrepreneurs of the Republic of Belarus. He organized numerous mass protests of entrepreneurs in the Republic of Belarus that resulted in him being fined, arrested and prosecuted. He is a founder and chief editor of “The Employer” Republican bulletin. On numerous