New rules for mass events in Belarus

Freedom Day 2019 / Raman Pratasevich, Euroradio
Freedom Day 2019 / Raman Pratasevich, Euroradio

In Belarus, the organizers of mass events now have to enter into a contract agreement with the police, ambulance and state-owned utility agency before obtaining permission to hold a rally. The permission is obtained from the executive committees. Previously, such contracts were concluded after receiving permission to hold the event given by the executive committee or confirmation of the absence of the ban.

The novelty is set out in the April 3 Resolution No. 196 of the Council of Ministers published on the National Legal Internet Portal on 5 April.

The document also introduces an essential condition for contracts with the police, ambulance and services cleaning the territory: they come into force only after the organizers of mass events receive permission to hold them or confirmation of the absence of the ban.