Applications for memorial Chernobyl actions filed in Vitsebsk region

Four representatives of the Conservative Christian Party “Belarusian Popular Front” filed a request to hold a picket on April 26 to the Chyhunachny District Executive Committee of Vitsebsk in the specially designated place, Culture and Recreation Park of Railroad Workers.

The organizers want to remind their countrymen of the tragic consequences of the Chernobyl accident and to honor the heroes who took part in their liquidation. They also aim to publicly express their opposition to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus.

As stated by the website vitebskspring.org, in its bid the activists ask the authorities to ignore the regulation of the Vitsebsk City Executive Committee dated 10 July 2009 "On Mass Events in Vitsebsk" and be directly guided by the law of Belarus "On Mass Events" and the Constitution, as far as the regulation actually makes it impossible for Vitsebsk residents to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly, requiring organizers of mass actions to enter into contracts with the services utilities, doctors and police officers. No applicants have managed to enter into the contracts which are required by the Vitsebsk authorities so far, though the regulation was issued five years ago.

According to the website freeregion.info, a request for a picket was filed by an activist of the organizing committee of the public association "Free Region" Yauhen Parchynski. The political and environmental picket was also scheduled for April 26. “The Chernobyl accident was not only a man-made disaster, but also a political problem created by the Soviet regime, which has long concealed the consequences of Chernobyl”, stateds Mr. Parchynski. That's why Navapolatsk democrats intend to hold their event under the slogan "Freedom. Truth. Justice."