Hrodna authorities banned pickets dedicated to Freedom Day

Hrodna city executive committee has barred holding pickets on March 22 and 25, dedicated to Freedom Day.

Applications for holding street rallies were filed by the chairman of Hrodna branch of the Belarusian Popular Front party Vadzim Saranchukou, Viasna human rights centre’s website informs.

The denial to sanction a picket on March 22 in Kalozhski Park was substantiated by officials in the following way: the applicant allegedly failed to meet the requirements of the law about providing information which is necessary for an application for holding a mass event.

Hrodna officials didn’t allow holding a picket on March 25, as according to a decision of the city executive committee, it is barred to hold mass events in Zhylber Park. At the same time, it is noted by human rights activists that state-supported and pro-governmental organisations regularly hold different kinds of mass events in the park, including political ones.

According to human rights activists, over the last 12 years Hrodna public activists have not received a single permission for holding mass events. None of the attempts to challenge the denials of the city executive committee in the court has succeeded.