Brest: court finds no violations in actions of deputy-head of city administration

Siarhei Vakulenka, na activist of the movement “For Freedom”, filed an appeal with the Leninski District Court of Brest against actions of the deputy head of the Brest City Executive Committee, Viachaslau Khafizau.

Mr. Vakulenka thinks that the official violated the law “On applications of citizens” by giving an unsubstantial answer to the inquiry of civil activists concerning the reconstruction of the shopping center “Moskva”. The activists wanted to find out what the attitude of the local authorities to this process was and whether the reconstruction was conducted on consent of the Ministry of Culture.

According to Mr. Vakulenka, during the preparation to the trial it was found out that there was a document according to which the new owner of the building, the firm “Santa-Service” was to receive the agreement of the Ministry of Culture to its actions. However, Viachaslau Khafizau refused to give publicity to the essence of this document. Moreover, the lawyer who represented the Brest City Executive Committee had no information about the ruling of the local authorities about it.

Despite all these circumstances, the court ruled that the official hadn't violated the Law “On applications of citizens” and turned the lawsuit down.