Vitsebsk authorities ban pickets against torture

Vitsebsk human rights defender Pavel Levinau will not be able to hold three pickets on June 26, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, after his applications were dismissed by the city’s executive officials.

According to Pavel Levinau, the pickets were aimed at informing Vitsebsk residents of Belarus’ implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The pickets were banned as the human rights defender scheduled them for locations that are not authorized by the city executive committee. Meanwhile, the only venue authorized for holding mass events is located outside Vitsebsk.