In connection with the increased number of cases of organisation and holding of unsanctioned mass events, we consider it necessary to warn about the consequences of participating in them.
In connection with the increased number of cases of organisation and holding of unsanctioned 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 unsanctioned events should be more vigilant to avoid becoming accomplices in unlawful acts. For violation of the established procedure for holding an assembly, rally, street procession, demonstration, or picket, committed by a participant of such events, liability under Part 1 of Article 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offences (KoAP) shall be incurred, **in the form of a fine or administrative arrest**. A more severe penalty will be imposed on a citizen if they participated in such an action for remuneration. Under Part 4 of Article 23.34 of the KoAP, they face **a fine of 30 to 50 basic 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 damage to public order, rights and legitimate interests of citizens, for committing any actions that violate the established procedure for the organisation and holding of mass events, as well as incitement to such actions by any means.
If a participant of a so-called "peaceful action" has not complied with the lawful demands of officials while they are performing their official duties, for example, has not complied with the requirement to disperse, their actions constitute another administrative offence provided for by Article 23.4 of the KoAP.
It should be noted that severe penalties are provided for committing crimes against the state, the established order of governance, and public safety. For instance, organising mass riots accompanied by violence against individuals, pogroms, arson, destruction of property, or armed resistance to authorities, under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Criminal Code, will result in imprisonment for up to 15 years, while participation in such actions will lead to imprisonment for up to 8 years.
If, during the conduct of mass events in violation of established procedures, 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 punishable by arrest, or restriction of liberty for up to 3 years, or imprisonment for the same term.
Organising and preparing actions that grossly violate public order, or actively participating in them, if such actions involve disobedience to the lawful demands of authorities or disrupt the operation of transport, enterprises, institutions, and organisations, are punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years (Article 342 of the Criminal Code).
Imprisonment may be imposed for resisting an internal affairs officer or any other person while they are performing their duties to maintain public order (Article 363 of the Criminal Code), as well as for violence or the threat of violence against an internal affairs officer or their relatives to obstruct their lawful activities (Article 364 of the Criminal Code).
Public calls for the seizure of state power, violent alteration of the constitutional order of the Republic of Belarus, treason, commission of an act of terrorism or sabotage, or other actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus, or the 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 in the form of imprisonment for up to 5 years is provided.
In addition to criminal and administrative liability, the legislation stipulates that anyone who has caused harm to citizens and organisations during mass events is obliged to compensate for it.
Dear Citizens!
We remind you that organising and participating in unsanctioned mass events without a permit is illegal.
We have sufficient resources and personnel to counter those who are unwilling to comply with national legislation.
We urge you to show prudence and mutual respect!
Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.
Vitebsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.