Vitsebsk authorities ban three Chernobyl-related pickets

Vitsebsk activists of the Conservative Christian Party “Belarusian Popular Front” will not be able to hold a number of pickets marking the anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, after local activist Yan Dziarzhautsau received an official ban issued by the city’s executive authorities.

In his application, Mr. Dziarzhautsau suggested that the officials contributed to the pickets, as it seemed to be the only possible way of drawing public attention to the Chernobyl-related issues, after unprecedented restrictions were imposed on mass events two years ago.

“Individuals are required to sign contracts with local housing, police and medical services, which is unreal; at least, in two last years this or that service has repeatedly refused to sign a contract. However, when the authorities are involved in the organization of the event, no contracts are needed,” says the activist.