Salihorsk prosecuting authorities refuse to protect freedom of assembly

Salihorsk district prosecutor’s office dismissed without a hearing a claim by local pro-democratic activist Uladzimir Shyla against groundless picket bans imposed by the district executive committee.

Prosecutor Belchyn recommended the activist to appeal the bans in court, referring to Art. 7 of the Mass Events Code.

“Right, the law provides for appealing a ban in court, but this does not mean that prosecuting authorities can refuse to initiate a legal investigation into alleged violations by a government body”, says Mr. Shyla.