‘Strictest liberalization’ in Belarus

The House of Representatives on October 25 approved changes to the Law on Mass Rallies in the first reading. Speaking in the parliament, Interior Minister Ihar Shunevich described the amedments as the 'strictest liberalization.'

Under the law, no prior permission is required for assemblies in specially designated areas. If a rally is planned to take place in other places that designated areas, organizers will have to obtain permission. For instance, opposition activists will be able to gather in Minsk's remote location - Bangalore Square - legally without permission but will need to get it if they decide to hold a rally in the city centre.