Mahiliou authorities ban a picket against the Russian military base in Belarus

On 12 August the head of the Mahiliou regional branch of the United Civil Party Uladzimir Shantsau received a response from the Mahiliou Regional Executive Committee, by which he was denied in holding a rally and a procession.

"This is a nonsense. This time, we asked to permit us holding a mass event in the officially determined place on the city outskirts, but the authorities prohibited us even in this case. The topic of the action seems to be very sensitive for them and they don't want to escalate the relations with Russia,” commented Mr. Shantsau.

The politician stated his intention to appeal the action ban at court.

“We will sue and seek permission to hold our event. It is unacceptable that our territory becomes a springboard for Russian military forces. We are a neutral country. This is spelled out in our Constitution, and we should live in accordance with it, and not someone else's desires," said Uladzimir Shantsau.

Bear in mind that on 24 July the head of the Mahiliou regional organization of the United Civil Party filed an appeal for holding a rally and a procession filed applied to the Mahiliou City Executive Committee for authorization of a rally which he intended to hold at the “Khimik” stadium on 18 August, preceded by a procession towards the stadium along Chelyuskintsy Street.