Salihorsk: ban of picket on Human Rights Day challenged at UN Human Rights Committee

Human rights activist Leanid Markhotka filed af complaint with the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations in connection with the ban of a picket dedicated to the International Human Rights Day on January 10, 2014 in Salihorsk.

The human rights activist exhausted all domestic remedies, but didn't manage to get his violated rights restored. As a result, Mr. Markhotka filed an individual appeal with the Committee, asking to recognize the fact of violation by Belarus of his rights, guaranteed by Part 2 of Article 19 (right to freedom of expression) and Article 21 (right of peaceful assembly) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Human rights activist hopes that the Committee recommends that Belarus provide him with an effective remedy, including the reimbursement of legal costs and compensation for the damage caused by the violation of his rights.

It is worth noting that this is not the first complaint of Salihorsk residents to the United Nations Human Rights Committee regarding the prohibition of pickets. The last of them was sent about a year ago by local civic activist Uladzimir Shyla and also concerned the prohibition of a peaceful assembly timed to the Day of Human Rights.