Father Frosts and Snegurochkas not allowed in “house of representatives” (Photo, video)
- 22.12.2009, 16:34
Human rights activists, dressed like Father Frosts and Snegurochkas, tried to enter the building of the “parliament” with demands to annul article 193-1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus.
As organizers of the action say, it was planned that 14 Snegurochkas, 5 Christmas rabbits and Father Frost register in an established order a request to the MPs of the “house of representatives”.
“We ask the “house of representatives” of the “national assembly” of the Republic of Belarus to provide the applicants with the information if the “parliament” considers a question on abolishing article 193-1of the Criminal Code. If the question is not considered, we ask to start a procedure of putting on the agenda the issue of annulling article 19301 of the Criminal Code and removing a ban of activity on behalf of unregistered organizations from other legal acts,” the statements of the disguised human rights activists said.
As it is known, the MPs didn’t raise a question of annulling article 193-1 of the Criminal Code and went on holidays in spite of several promises to lift criminal responsibility for activity on behalf of an unregistered organization.
According to the participants of the action, it means that Father Frosts as activists of unregistered by the Ministry of Justice organization may be thrown behind bars. So, it may happen so that new year won’t begin without them.
Some people in mufti blocked the way to the House of Government for the participants of the action. After long talks with guards, “Snegurochka” Alena Valynets and human rights activists Valer Shchukin and Pavel Levinau were allowed into the building. As Valer Shchukin later said, three men in mufti run up to him in the parliament’s hall and began to beat him.
The action was held as a part of the campaign titled “Stop 193-1!” initiated by the Assembly of Non-Governmental Democratic Associations. We remind that 17 people have been convicted under article 193-1 of the Criminal Code (unlawful organizing activity of an association, religious organization or foundation, or participation in their activity) over the last four years.
In November, the General Prosecutor’s Office didn’t get a joke of Father Frosts who asked to give legal estimation of their activity. The official reply of the supervising agency said a group of Father Frosts may be brought to responsibility if information about their systematic participation in an unregistered organization is found.