News on the topic: freedom of expression
11.09.2014 Ecological picket banned in Salihorsk
Salihorsk City Executive Committee did not authorize a picket in the central square, aimed at collecting signatures for a healthy environment.
09.09.2014 Baranavichy: human rights defender Siarhei Housh demands amendments to regulation on mass events
September 9, human rights activist Siarhei Housha filed a complaint to the Chairman of the Brest Regional Executive Committee against the decision of the Baranavichy City Executive Committee dated July 14, 2014, prohibiting picketing on 27 July.
07.09.2014 Biaroza authorities ban 8 September picket
Biaroza human rights defenders and social activists were denied a picket on September 8. The stated purpose of the event was commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Orsha – Day of military glory, as well as an expression of protest against the deployment of Russian military bases on the territory of Belarus and the presence of political prisoners.
05.09.2014 13 picket applications – 13 refusals
Activists of the organizing committee of the Belarusian Christian Democracy in the Hrodna region received 13 refusals to their 13 applications for information pickets in different cities.
05.09.2014 Policeman uses violence towards journalist while drawing up violation report
On March 3 Maryna Malchanava, independent journalist from Babruisk, came to the police department to get an administrative report for violating mass media legislation.
04.09.2014 Brest: authorities lie while prohibiting picket for local border traffic
The official reason for the picket ban, cited by the Brest City Executive Committee, was that another mass event would be held at the action site at the specified time.
04.09.2014 “Extremism” seeking commission to start operating on 27 September
Information Ministry’s inter-departmental commission tasked with identifying extremism in information products will start operating on 27 September.
02.09.2014 Orsha authorities prohibited celebration of 500th anniversary of the Battle of Orsha
The bid for the festive event was filed by members of the organizing committee for celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Orsha. Deputy Chairman of the organizing committee, artist Mikola Kupava received an official letter from Orsha district executive committee with a prohibition of the event.
01.09.2014 Brest authorities ban pickets for simplification of local border traffic
Brest City Executive Committee banned the event despite the fact that the organizers wanted to hold it in the places that the authorities themselves had determined as suitable for such events.
28.08.2014 Vitsebsk authorities ban picket set to mark Lukashenka’s birthday
A request for the event was submitted to the Kastrychnitski district administration of Vitsebsk by local blogger Ihar Pastnou, famous for his criticism of health care officials. He fulfilled all the requirements that are prescribed by the decision of the City Executive Committee “On Mass Events in Vitsebsk”, but failed to receive permission.
26.08.2014 Homel authorities avoid trial
On August 25, a hearing of a lawsuit lodged by human rights defenders Anatol Paplauny and Leanid Sudalenka against the City Executive Committee was adjourned by the Tsentralny District Court of Homel after a representative of the executive authorities failed to appear in court.
25.08.2014 Baranavichy human rights defender: city authorities lie on reasons for picket ban
Human rights defender Siarhei Housha has received a reply from the Baranavichy City Executive Committee, signed by the Deputy Chairman Dzmitry Kastsiukevich, to his letter, in which he asked to specify the reason for the ban on a picket scheduled for July 27.
25.08.2014 Biaroza human rights activists denied right to stage picket
On August 22, human rights defenders in the town of Biaroza were not allowed to stage a picket, which was scheduled for August 25. The event was expected to mark 23 since the bill on the Declaration of Independence acquired a constitutional status, as well as to protest against the deployment of Russian military bases on the territory of Belarus and to demand release of political prisoners.
12.08.2014 Biaroza activists intend to hold a picket marking legal confirmation of Belarus' state sovereignty
Biaroza human rights defenders applied for a picket. They implemented all legal requirements mentioned in an appropriate regulation of the Biaroza District Executive Committee.
07.08.2014 Baranavichy: human rights defender demands details from the authorities
August 7, human rights activist Siarhei Housha filed an appeal to the head of the Baranavichy City Executive Committee Yury Hramakouski, in which he requires an explanation on what basis the rally he, Viachaslau Bolbat and Ryhor Hryk intended to hold on July 27, was banned.
