Baranavičy authorities ban trade union May Day rally

The Baranavičy City Executive Committee has not allowed local trade union activist Ryhor Hryk to organize a May Day picket, which was expected to raise the issues of protection of labor, social and political rights of the citizens of Belarus. It was planned that the picket would be attended by some 15 people. The activist learned about the ban from a letter he received from the deputy chairman of the Executive Committee Dzmitry Kastsiukevich. The official argues that the applicant has not met all the requirements of Article 5 of the Law “On Mass Events in Belarus”, however, failing to specify which provisions were violated.

“I am sure that I have fulfilled all legal requirements when applying for the picket on the International Day of Solidarity of Workers. I think that I was not allowed to hold the picket because I wanted to use the unpopular slogan of “Activities of the authorities – under public control”. But perhaps the picket was banned because we wanted to protest the adoption of Decree No. 3 “On prevention of social dependency” and would like to publicly demand its abolition,” comments Ryhor Hryk.

The activist intends to appeal against the decision to the District and City Court.