News on the topic: freedom of expression
23.03.2014 March 25 rally in Biaroza banned over inciting national hatred
Biaroza human rights defenders Tamara Shchapiotkina and Siarhei Rusetski, who were going to hold a picket on March 25, Freedom Day, had little time to get ready for the event, which was initially allowed by the local executive committee.
12.03.2014 Opposition candidate unable to overcome censorship of his campaigning materials by printing house
Vitsebsk independent candidate Aliaksei Haurutsikau cannot exercise his right to print campaign materials in the state-owned newspaper isued in the town of Dubrouna, due to the refusal of its chief editor. The Central Election Commission supported the position of the editor.
10.03.2014 Brest authorities ban rally of solidarity with Ukrainian people
At 12.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. on March 10, Brest regional branch of the United Civil Party intended to hold a procession in Masherau Avenue, Lenin Street and the central square of Brest, with participation of 10-15 people.
10.03.2014 Anatol Liabedzka awaiting trial
February 7, Chairman of the United Civil Party Anatol Liabedzka was summoned to the Savetski District Police Department of Minsk to give explanations concerning the rally of solidarity with Ukraine, held near Kamarouski market in Minsk the previous week-end.
05.03.2014 Homel authorities insist that the regulation "On Mass Events" doesn't concern pro-government communists
Homel City Executive Committee allows pro-government communists, Communist Party of Belarus, not to abide by requirements of its regulation on mass event. Such conclusion can be drawn from the answer, received from the CEC by Chairman of the Homel regional organization of the Belarusian Left Party “Fair World” Uladzimir Siakerka.
26.02.2014 KGB wrecked Dzieciuki band’s concert in Brest
The performance of the punk-rockers from Hrodna was banned in the city on Buh.
26.02.2014 Freedom Day picket banned in Hlybokaye
The reason for the ban is traditional: lack of service contracts with the medics, utilities and the police. Moreover, the district police directly said they refused to enter into preliminary agreements.
25.02.2014 Salihorsk activist appeals ban on Human Rights Day picket
Uladzimir Shyla, a civil society activist of the town of Salihorsk, is appealing against a ban imposed by the district executive committee on a picket expected to be staged on Human Rights Day, December 10. A complaint was sent to the Minsk Regional Court.
17.02.2014 Hlybokaye authorities ban Constitution Day rally
The executive authorities of the town Hlybokaye, Vitsebsk region, has issued a ban on holding a picket to mark Constitution Day, March 15, referring to lack of service contracts from local medical, utilities and police departments. "Meanwhile, neither the doctors nor the utility service responded to our proposal to sign a contract," says one of the applicants Dzmitry Lupach.
13.02.2014 “A Lesson of the Belarusian Language” and “Solidarity of Belarus” are declared extremist
Today the newspaper "Respublika" has published the official list of "extremist materials".
12.02.2014 Belarus ranks 157th out of 180 countries in 2014 World Press Freedom Index
Belarus is ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the 2014 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders earlier this month.
12.02.2014 Ryhor Hryk sues Baranavichy City Executive Committee
Civil society activist Ryhor Hryk filed a lawsuit with the Baranavichy City and District Court against the unlawful actions of the city officials, who unlawfully prohibited him to hold a picket and failed to timely inform him about the prohibition.
10.02.2014 Are flaws in the work of the executive committee a fault of the post office?
The head of the Baranavichy organization of the Trade Union of Radio Electronic Industry Ryhor Hryk learned about his “receiving” an answer from the Baranavichy City Executive Committee only from an answer of the Baranavichy interdistrict prosecutor's office.
06.02.2014 Salihorsk District Court upholds the ban on a Human Rights Day picket
On February 4 the Salihorsk District Court considered the appeal of the socio-political activist Uladzimir Shyla against the nban on his picket, issued by the Salihorsk District Executive Committee.
06.02.2014 Ihar Pastnou: by banning pickets the authorities push people to active protests
The psychiatrist failed to challenge the ban on a picket in memory of victims of police brutality.