Homel activists appeal peaceful assembly ban

United Civil Party Homel activists keep appealing executive restrictions on holding rallies enforced by the city authorities, after Homel officials banned a picket on 23 February. The ban was followed by an appeal, which was eventually dismissed by Homel Tsentralny District Court.

On 19 May, the UCP activists lodged a complaint with Homel Regional Court, demanding a reversal of the earlier verdict.

“The court issued an ungrounded decision. However, the reasons stated in the application were appropriate and relevant. In particular, while considering the provisions of the national and international law, we emphasized the obligation to implement the treaties ratified by the country. According to Art. 26, 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a party to a treaty may not refer to the national legislation as a justification for a failure to implement it.”