Belarus passes law to curb dissent

Parliament in Belarus, whose leaders are accused of violating human rights, overwhelmingly approved legislation today aimed at…

Parliament in Belarus, whose leaders are accused of violating human rights, overwhelmingly approved legislation today aimed at curbing attempts at popular upheavals like Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" last year.

Deputies voted 97 to four to back a law providing for tough penalties for anyone convicted of inciting demonstrations, joining illegal organisations or spreading information deemed harmful to national interests.