Rally and procession against Russian air bases banned

On August 12, the chair of the Mahilou regional branch of the United Civil Party, Uladzimir Shantsau, received a reply from the Mahilou regional executive committee.

Officials refuse to allow a rally and a procession, Viasna human rights centre reports.

“It is absurd. We wanted to hold a mass event in the place permitted by the authorities, but officials refused to allow it even there, on the outskirts. The theme of a rally seems to be very painful for them. They don't want to escalate relations with Russia,” Uladzimir Shantsau said.

The politician notes he plans to apply to a court in connection with the ban.

“We will go to court to seek permission for holding our rally. We cannot allow the territory of our country to be a foothold for the Russian military forces. We are a neutral country. This is said in our constitution. We must live in accordance with the constitution, not as someone else wish,” Uladzimir Shantsau said.

On July 24, the chair of the Mahilou regional branch of the UCP applied for carrying out a rally at the “Khimik” stadium after a procession along Chelyuskintsy Street on August 18.