Local authorities ban 25 March solidarity pickets

Vitsebsk, Barysau, Polatsk and Navapolatsk authorities dismissed applications for holding a number of pickets of solidarity with political prisoners on 25 March submitted by local pro-democratic activists.

In its official reply, Barysau district executive committee referred to the applicant’s failure to meet the provisions of the Law on Mass Events, issuing a direct ban on the picket.

Polatsk authorities argued that the applicant had failed to provide public order and medical aid during the scheduled picket.

Navapolatsk officials dismissed an application by local activist Mr. Parchynski, referring to the anti-Constitutional nature of the 19 December 2010 rally.

Vitsebsk city authorities banned a picket of solidarity, since the applied location had already been claimed by another event, namely an anti-tuberculosis action.