Homel Authorities Scared Of Pickets For Independence of Belarus

Refusals to hold pickets for independence of Belarus human rights activists will appeal in district courts.

Administrations of district centers in the Homel region banned to hold pickets in city centers. Actions were scheduled on October 20 to 23 and aimed at attraction of public attention to the necessity to protect the independence and sovereignty of Belarus, HRC Viasna informs.

Such decision was adopted by Вobrush, Chachersk, Zhlobin, Vetka, Loyeu, Brahin, Khoiniki, Buda-Kashaleva and Korma District Executive Committees.

The main reason for refusal is the venue. The permitted area almost in all cities is located on the outskirts, although applicants want to hold actions on central squares. Korma, Khoiniki and Buda-Kashaleva districts denied the applicants because of absence contracts with the police and health care institutions. In addition, officials in Vetka, referring to their decision, required Vasil Palyakou to pay for police services, ambulance and local public utility services.

"It is not allowed to take pickets on central squares of district centers, although the basic law on public events denies it at a distance of 50 meters from buildings of district executive committees. The other issue is why a district center like Vetka requires money to hold a picket, and in Chachersk and Zhlobin it may be done for free," applicants say.

Refusals to hold pickets human rights activists will appeal in district courts.

Leanid Sudalenka recalls that last year activists managed to appeal against an illegal decision of Khoiniki administration's refusal to hold a peaceful assembly.

"This action aims at "testing" of bureaucrats in the Homel region concerning their competence in constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assemblies and expression of opinion," Leanid Sudalenka added.