Court denies restoration of rights to Vitsebsk human rights activists

Alena Papkova, Deputy Chair of Vitsebsk Kastrychnitski Court, turned down a complaint by a number of local human rights activists striving for the restoration of their civil rights.

On 25 November 2009 a group of Vitsebsk human rights activists submitted an application for holding a picket on the International Human Rights Day, 10 December. However, the application was turned down by the city authorities due to the activists’ failure to meet the necessary requirements, namely to conclude agreements with the police, medical and housing departments.

As a result, the activists, considering that their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly were violated, lodged a complaint with the court.

During the court hearing, the activists expressed their claims to the city authorities. Besides, they demanded that the court passed a special judgment on the unconstitutional nature of decision #881 of 10.07.2009 by Vitsebsk city executive committee.

The claimants also demanded to pay BYR 50 mln. worth of moral damage.

However, Judge Papkova turned down the complaint and failed to pass any special judgment.

The human rights activists say they are going to appeal the decision at Vitsebsk Regional Court.