Brest city authorities ban May Day demonstration

Brest city executive committee turned down the application submitted by the local offices of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party ‘Hramada’ and the Belarusian Party of the Left ‘Just World’ for holding a demonstration on 1 May, Radio Racyja reports.

‘The reasons for the refusal are traditional. Firstly, the authorities argue that the route of the demonstration is within 50 meters of a number of the city’s administrative buildings, which is prohibited by Article 9 of the Law ‘On Mass Events’; secondly, the announced 150 demonstrators may allegedly block traffic. Besides, the refusal has one more argument – road repairs in one of the streets on the route,’ says Ms. Hanna Kanius, leader of the Brest Social Democrats.

The authorities’ reply also notes that the applicants ‘can take part in the culture events, arranged by the city executive committee in 1 May Park, alongside with other citizens of the Republic of Belarus.’