Salihorsk activist appeals groundless replies by authorities

Three months have passed since Salihorsk civil activist Uladzimir Shyla started fighting for his right to expression and freedom of peaceful assembly, after his numerous applications for holding pickets were banned by the town’s executive authorities.

Moreover, the activist’s appeals against the bans have been repeatedly disregarded by local prosecutor’s office.

“A few days ago, I sent a letter to the town executive committee demanding to give legally correct replies that would challenge my arguments. The officials, in turn, keep referring to a number of provisions of the Mass Events Code, providing no explanations on the merits”, says Mr. Shyla.

On 20 March the activist received another roundabout reply from chief ideology official of Salihorsk town executive committee Mr. Maskevich, claiming that the replies to the activist’s statements concerning pickets met the provisions of the Mass Events Code.

“Such wordings are direct evidence of the officials’ legal incompetence. Or maybe it is humiliation or even sabotage, for in this very case it is the Code on Public Appeals that is being violated, not the Mass Events Code”, says Uladzimir Shyla.

As a result, the activist has lodged a complaint with Salihorsk town prosecutor’s office, demanding to provide explanations on the groundless replies by local executive officials.