Salihorsk: human rights appeal against actions of the local Council of Deputies
Leanid Markhotka, leader of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee’s Salihorsk office
Human rights activist Leanid Markhotka has appealed to the Minsk Regional Council of Deputies the refusal of the Presidium of the Salihorsk District Council to bring to the next sitting the draft ruling "On Freedom of Peaceful Assembly”.
April 30, the representative of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee Leanid Markhotka appealed to the local council, demanding cancellation of the ruling of district authorities, "On designation of sites for holding mass events”. He attached the draft ruling "On freedom of assembly in the city of Salihorsk and Salihorsk District" to his appeal. In accordance with the law "On Local Self-Government", draft rulings on issues of local importance, introduced by citizens, must be obligatory considered at the Council's session. However, the presidium of the district council didn't grant the demand of the human rights defender, thus violating the legally established procedure.
In his complaint to the Minsk Regional Council Mr. Markhotka reminds that under the Constitution the individual, his rights, freedoms and guarantees for their attainment are regarded as the supreme goal and value of society and the state. Civil right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly is an important political right. Appealing to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in addition to the national legislation, the human rights defender demands to recognize illegal the decision of the Presidium of the Salihorsk Regional Council to refuse from considering the proposed draft Ruling "On Freedom of Assembly".
Mr. Markhotka also asks to consider at the next session of the Minsk Regional Council the question about abolishing the illegal ruling of Salihorsk authorities "On designation of sites for mass events”. He attaches to his request the draft ruling "On Freedom of Peaceful Assembly in Salihorsk and the Salihorsk district." In addition, Mr. Markhotka requires to be allowed to attend the sitting of the Council when considering the proposed draft ruling.
