Democratic activists Vitebsk held a public lecture "What are human rights, and how they are observed in Belarus." It read on December 10 coordinator of the "For Freedom" Christopher Zhelyapau.

Public lecture organized the first local activists. This format was chosen because that for this kind of event does not need to take permission from the authorities, said Mr. Zhelyapau:

"In order to conduct a lecture, do not need any permission. Where we will hold it - it is our will. We decided that we hold here in the park. This place is officially defined for public events. When I arrived 20 minutes before the start, I was approached and asked Lieutenant Colonel, I filed a request. I said that I did not let on. He warned me that if suddenly unauthorized event will be held, it will be forced to take certain measures. "

Police did not interfere with the activists, but a recreation park railway, there were almost twice as much as the audience. There were policemen in uniform and people in civilian clothes, and even a sporty girl, who said: "We are - from" Oriflame "" But "cosmetics traders" were on a par with the police, and one of those present said that This year Vitebsk riot police and a large shortfall, so willing to take and girls.

After the lecture, which is under the close supervision was brief, all listeners to "conduct" of the park "protected" - after each group of activists were 2-3 people, says Christopher Zhelyapau:

"I had prepared a lecture, we have an exchange of views there turned out ... and all around us were people of 15 different law enforcement agencies, they also listened to ... And we went our path home. The three of us spent two men in civilian clothes - until the train station. "

There were no arrests. According to Zhelyapau, such events should be held more often, if not already on the picket lines, no permission to protest can not be obtained.

Radio Liberty