Unauthorized events are illegal
Photo from open sources, illustrative purpose only.
Due to the increasing number of cases of organizing and holding unauthorized mass events, we consider it necessary to warn about the consequences of participating in them.
The Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Mass Events in the Republic of Belarus" clearly defines the procedure for holding such initiatives. These include assemblies, rallies, street processions, demonstrations, and picketing. Any non-compliance with the established requirements entails administrative or criminal liability.
Citizens who do not wish to participate in unauthorized events should be more vigilant so as not to become accomplices in unlawful acts. For violating the established procedure for holding an assembly, rally, street procession, demonstration, or picketing, committed by a participant of such events, liability is incurred under Part 1 of Article 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offenses in the form of a fine or administrative arrest. A citizen will receive a stricter punishment if they participated in such an action for remuneration. Under Part 4 of Article 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, they face a fine of 30 to 50 base units or administrative arrest.
Serious consequences may arise from the use of flags, pennants not registered in the prescribed manner, as well as emblems, symbols, posters, and banners, the content of which is aimed at causing harm to public order, rights, and legitimate interests of citizens, for committing any actions that violate the established order of organizing and holding a mass event, as well as incitement to such actions by any means.
If a participant of a so-called "peaceful action" disobeys the lawful demands of officials while performing their official duties, for example, fails to comply with the demand to disperse, their actions constitute another administrative offense provided for by Article 23.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
It should be noted that for committing crimes against the state, the order of administration
and public safety, strict liability measures are provided. Thus, organizing riots accompanied by violence against individuals, pogroms, arson, property destruction, or armed resistance to authorities under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code will entail punishment up to 15 years of imprisonment, and participation in such actions – up to 8 years of imprisonment.If, during mass events held in violation of established order, the death of people, infliction of grievous bodily harm to one or more persons, or damage of a large scale occurs due to negligence, then in accordance with Article 369-3 of the Criminal Code, such acts may be punished by arrest, or restriction of liberty for up to 3 years, or imprisonment for the same term.
For organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them, if they are associated with disobedience to the lawful demands of representatives of authority or lead to disruption of the work of transport, enterprises, institutions, and organizations, punishment is threatened up to 3 years of imprisonment (Article 342 of the Criminal Code).
Liability up to imprisonment may arise for resisting an employee of the internal affairs bodies or another person while they are performing their duties to protect public order (Article 363 of the Criminal Code), as well as for violence or the threat of violence against an employee of the internal affairs bodies or their relatives in order to obstruct their lawful activities (Article 364 of the Criminal Code).
Cases of public calls for the seizure of state power, violent change of the constitutional order of the Republic of Belarus, treason, commission of an act of terrorism or sabotage, other actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus, or dissemination of materials containing such calls, are grounds for criminal liability under Article 361 of the Criminal Code. For the listed actions committed using mass media or the global computer network Internet, criminal liability is provided.
in the form of imprisonment for up to 5 years.In addition to criminal and administrative liability, the legislation stipulates that anyone who has caused harm to citizens and organizations during mass events is obliged to compensate for it.
Dear citizens!
We remind you: the organization and participation in unauthorized mass events without permission for their holding are illegal.
We have sufficient forces and means to counteract those who are unwilling to comply with national legislation.
We call for prudence and mutual respect!
Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
Vitebsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.