Another picket in support of Bialiatski banned

Brest city executive committee banned a picket of support to Viasna’s leader Ales Bialiatski scheduled for 22 August, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports, quoting local human rights defender Uladzimir Vialichkin.

The ban was attributed to a football match reportedly scheduled for 22 August, to take place at the same stadium where local activists were planning to stage the picket.

“We were surprised at such a ground for the ban. We would not interfere with the match, provided it does take place. We could stand outside the stadium. However, we are not surprised at the ban itself, since we know that it’s all the authorities could do. It does not humiliate human rights defenders, but ordinary people disregarded by the regime”, says Mr. Vialiachkin.

Earlier this week, a similar picket was banned by the executive officials of Baranavichy.