Head of Slonim BPF Charged with Organization of Unauthorized Rally and Usage of Unregistered Symbols

24.03.2004.

The police drew up to reports about Ivan Bedka, head of Slonim Belarusian Popular Front: organizing an unauthorized rally, and usage of unregistered symbols. He was told the reports would be sent to court.
The rally dedicated to the 86th anniversary of the Belarusian People’s Republic, was organized by Slonim BPF on 21 March. The district administration had issued an official permission for the rally. All of a sudden the authorities changed their mind and demanded Ivan Bedka should apply for permission again. His new application received no reply. Thus, the previous permission was still valid and the rally took place. There was no document canceling the previous permission.
The rally participants passed a resolution, which spoke against the Union with Russia and against growth of prices for utility services. They also demanded to open a school teaching in Belarusian language in Slonim.

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