Authorities ban anti-alcohol rallies all over Belarus

Officials got scared of the anti-alcohol campaign run by BChD.

Out of over 100 rallies that the party applied for in 41 towns of Belarus only 1 was allowed. It will take place on 18 July from 5 to 7 p.m. in Klichau, the population of which is merely 7 thousand people, they told the charter97.org web-site and BChD’s press-service.

The party sees the actions of the authorities as a violation of the citizens’ right for the freedom of assembly and expression.

“The rallies were of very clearly stated nature. Signatures were to be collected at them in support of legislation changes, aimed at de-alcoholizing the population. They were meant for sharing information about the anti-alcohol campaign. Thousands of signatures have already been collected in its support, and holding rallies would be a logical part of the campaign. That they won’t allow even rallies on social issues shows the panic terror of the authorities before any civic activity. The claims by officials on caring about citizens remain empty words. The authorities get the population in masses accustomed to hard drinking, and they put obstacles in the way of the campaign aimed at fighting that”, - pointed out the co-chairman of the organizational committee for creation of the party Belarusian Christian Democracy Vital Rymasheuski.