Christopher Zhelyapau, coordinator of the movement "For Freedom" in the Vitebsk region, received a response to a joint letter from the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee A. Diulin. More than 40 local residents asked City Council to reverse the decision on how to conduct mass actions. The answer executive committee officials - negative.

Vitebsk activists for more than three years trying to get permission to hold public events, but the district administration did not give such permission. They refer to the decision of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, which shares the applicants simply can not perform.

According to activists, Vitebsk, Vitebsk on the decision of 10.07.2009, the number 881, and contrary to the Belarusian legislation does not allow citizens to exercise their right to public expression. Thus, according to the decision of the city authorities, the organizers must submit along with the application to the district administration and copies of contracts for services activities. However, the responsible authority refuses to enter into agreements with the activists for various reasons. A few times the applicants directly that enter into contracts will not be until there is no positive solutions of district administrations. Therefore, activists collected signatures for a collective letter to the Executive Committee that this authority has contributed to change.

Furthermore, 24 July, representatives of several public agencies went to the reception to the deputy chairman of the executive committee Vladimir Terentyeva. Mr Terentyev not once, but listened to activists who were trying to convince officials of the need to reconsider the decision City Council.

At the reception to the official who deals with issues of ideology, pre-recorded Christopher Zhelyapau. After the meeting, he had an optimistic mood, "Mr. Terentev the conversation was prepared: in his office were all three of the district" ideologues "- one of those regional administrations, from which we have for three years did not have any permission on our proposed action. Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee listened to us and promised to study the issue more thoroughly. Though he is certainly aware of this problem: even told us that periodically reads the internet about failures on the stock, and already knew in advance that we're going to see him. Mr Terentyev promised to give us a written response."

But the answer came over the signature of A. Diulin, another deputy chairman of the executive committee. It says that all the earlier failures activists received legally, and that the decision of City Council also completely legal. This formulation is known activists. And officials previously told them about the impossibility of change in the City Council decision - they say it was legal expertise, so it is perfect, and no changes are required.

Vitebsk activists tried to assert their rights, even by the court, demanding to compel the conclusion of contracts of those who refused to do so. But it did not help. The judges also appealed to the decision of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, addressed to the applicant in a vicious circle.

Viasna Human Rights Center