Last refusal of the Pervomai district of Vitebsk got Alex Gavrutikov and Christopher Zhelyapau . October 29 they wanted to hold a rally of solidarity with political prisoners . Coordinator of the movement "For Freedom" of Vitebsk region, Christopher Zhelyapau and activist organizing committee of the Social Democratic Party " Narodnaya Gromada " Alex Gavrutikov prepared an application so that at least the district authorities had reason to refuse .

A picket of solidarity with political prisoners was appointed on a weekday , as the penultimate time activists failed to conclude an agreement on the action with physicians . From the central city hospital said that the weekend is not possible to organize a tour of duty ambulances , as they work on , and so little.

"This time the doctors denied us again . But without specifying any reason at all - just wrote that it is impossible to conclude an agreement with us , and that's all ! From the police to our request , we do not wait for an answer. At the very least , an action to ban May Day of the district administration, we have received and of the Department of the Interior - no. Though letters to responsible entities we sent earlier than applied for . Thus , from all destinations positive response we have received only the structure of the housing, they do not mind a contract with us for the cleaning after the picket , "- said Alexey Gavrutikov .

The preliminary conclusion of service contracts regulated by the decision of the executive committee of shares number 881 " On organization of mass events in Vitebsk " . It was taken three and a half years ago , and since then in Vitebsk was not allowed any of the action on the initiative of opposition activists. Although the number of submitted bids during that time comes fifty, continues Mr. Gavrutikov :

"In 2011, we applied for Mr Zhelyapovym monthly. Last year , maybe a little less . This year - again on a monthly basis . Besides us , actively submit applications member of the Conservative Christian Party of the Belarusian Popular Front , human rights defenders . Short, the pieces exactly 50 applications has been filed. But - without success. since City Council decision no one can do : responsible agencies - and it was the police , housing and healthcare professionals - refuse to cooperate with us, citing different reasons . and then without any explanation as to the last time we were forbidden to hold a picket of solidarity with political prisoners . "

Vitebsk activists believe that the decision of City Council has become an obstacle for the realization of the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. They repeatedly appealed to the City Council and the Executive Committee , the decision to change the number 881. But the authorities do not agree . It does not help to go to court in order to force the responsible agencies to enter into agreements : the courts do not support the requirements of the activists. The judges argue that the contracts for the opposition - it is mandatory and for the state structures - is not, and therefore they can refuse to cooperate . Apply to any alternative service also does not work: in the decision City Council "On the organization of public events in Vitebsk " clearly states that it is necessary to negotiate only with the specific agencies , and nothing else.

Viasna Human Rights Center