Brest authorities ban BCD rallies

Members of the steering committee of the Belarusian Christian Democracy filed applications for the authorization of two rallies in Brest: on 10 July – in support of political prisoner, BCD co-head Pavel Seviarynets, and on 14 – under the slogan “Freedom to political prisoners!”

According to the official answers of the Brest City Executive Committee, the rallies were banned as their route came close to the buildings of the Russian and the Polish consulates, which allegedly contradicts to the Belarusian legislation.

Moreover, two BCD activists, Uladzislau Barouski and Yauhen Khaziyakhmetau were summonsed to the police and asked about participation in opposition movements. The local police inspector who summonsed Barouski, stated that his main aim was to “get acquainted”. What concerns Khaziyakhmetau – he was told that an opposition banner had been hanged out not far from his place of residence, that’s why the police was holding a check-up on the fact.

Zmitser Shurkhai, BCD coordinator in the Brest region, stated that soon a new application for a procession will be filed, in which all remarks of the local authorities will be taken into account.