Slonim authorities ban picket to hold sports event

On September 10, leader of the Slonim coalition of pro-democratic forces Ivan Sheha filed an application to the district executive committee asking for permission to hold a picket on September 28. The event was expected to be attended by some 40 people.

According to Ivan Sheha, it was to be a protest rally against the practice of local bans on pickets and other events planned by the democratic forces of Slonim.

Ivan Sheha received yesterday a response from Slonim district executive committee, signed by its chairman Iosif Pauliukevich. Mr. Pauliukevich replied that “Slonim district executive committee informs you that your application for holding a mass event from 11:40 to 16:30 on September 28, 2013 in the town park in Opernaya Street was registered on September 12, 2013 under No. SH-2/08-29 and considered. According to the activities plan of the Department of Education, Sports and Tourism of the Slonim district executive committee we have no opportunities to provide you with space in the town park in Opernaya Street in the required time, since the beginning of a sporting event entitled "Sports will Help us to Multiply our Forces” is scheduled for 12.00 a.m., September 28, 2013.”