Biaroza human rights activists denied right to stage picket

On August 22, human rights defenders in the town of Biaroza were not allowed to stage a picket, which was scheduled for August 25. The event was expected to mark 23 since the bill on the Declaration of Independence acquired a constitutional status, as well as to protest against the deployment of Russian military bases on the territory of Belarus and to demand release of political prisoners.

The ban is signed by the Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee Yauhen Tarasiuk. The official refers to the absence of a copy of the contract with the police, while, according to Decision No. 207 of the Council of Ministers, it is the Executive Committee itself who should approach the police department.

Knowing the illegality of the reference, the official adds another reason: the stadium will be occupied by sports events for children and youth, which is said to attract people.

According to one of the applicants, Siarhei Rusetski, the other reason was invented in case the court does not accept the first one. And then it will be difficult to prove whether these events were actually held. After all, if the authorities had wished to give permission for the rally, they would have offered another authorized place – a stadium in the northern part of the town.

The ban will be appealed in court.