Minsk authorities deny re-registration to Protestant community :: Charter'97 :: News

The administration of Minsk`s Moskovsky district on November 17 denied re-registration to the New Life Church community affiliated to the Association of Full Gospel Christians. The authorities claimed that they could not register the Protestant community at the number 71 building Kovalyova Street because the building is in very bad condition, Vasily Yurevich, leader of the community, told BelaPAN. According to him, regulations currently in force do not set any requirements for a building at which the legal address of a religious community may be registered.

"Last week the building was inspected by district government and officers of emergency management and sanitary agencies, who did not say that there was something wrong,” Mr. Yurevich said.

Formerly, the community held worship services at number 39 Myasnikova Street, but the Moskovsky district authorities terminated the lease on the building two months ago. The administrations of all districts in the capital city answered in the negative to the community`s request for leasing another building, according to Mr. Yurevich.

Currently, community members have to gather together for worship in a tent on a 1.6-hectare land plot bought by the community several years ago, he said, adding that they might be deprived of this opportunity as well. According to him, the Minsk city government plans to file a suit to have the sale contract annulled.