Brest authorities ban series of pickets for unity and independence of Ukraine

Brest activists of the regional organization of the United Civil Party were denied holding five pickets, aimed at promoting the values of state sovereignty and independence and the expression of solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their aspirations to preserve the integrity and independence of Ukraine.

The formal reason for banning the pickets is that the party members intended to hold them in busy places - the central department store of Brest, the cinema "Belarus" and shopping center "Uskhod". The local authorities didn't determine these place as suitable for mass events: the only officially determined places are the park of soldiers-internationalists and the stadium "Locomotive".

One of the applicants for the pickets, Uladzimir Vuyek, notes that the application for the event have been filed in accordance with Article 35 of the Constitution, Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Articles 4 - 6 of the Law "On Mass Events in the Republic of Belarus", so in this case the authorities violate not only citizens' constitutional rights, but also international law.

“The authorities have once again shown us their attitude towards the events in the Ukraine and the necessity to preserve the sovereignty of Belarus, as well as to the rights of citizens in general,” summed up Mr. Vuyek.

According to the UCP activist, the decision of the local authorities will be challenged in court.