Salihorsk activist appeals ban on Human Rights Day picket

Uladzimir Shyla, a civil society activist of the town of Salihorsk, is appealing against a ban imposed by the district executive committee on a picket expected to be staged on Human Rights Day, December 10. A complaint was sent to the Minsk Regional Court.

On February 4, the activist’s appeal against the ban was considered by the Salihorsk District Court. As a result, Judge Alla Trafimchuk said the complaint was unfounded. The court said that the organizer of the picket did not take concrete measures to ensure public order and security during the mass event, including health care, and a cleanup after the picketing. Uladzimir Shyla notes that he requested in his application to levy all these responsibilities on local authorities.

“In accordance with international standards and Article 35 of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the freedom of assembly, rallies, marches, demonstrations and picketing is guaranteed by the state. This means that the maintenance of public order and security for the peaceful assembly is the direct responsibility of the state. Therefore, the decision to ban the picket, and the district court’s decision are absolutely illegal,” said the activist.

Uladzimir Shyla believes that the Minsk Regional Court should cancel the illegal decision of the trial court. If this does not happen, he is ready to continue seeking justice in international bodies.