Special attention to mass events

During the election campaign, the issue of holding mass events is particularly relevant. Chapter 2 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Mass Events" regulates the procedure for their organization and conduct.

In particular, citizens of the Republic of Belarus, permanently residing in its territory, who have reached the age of eighteen and have the right to vote, indicated as such in the application for holding a mass event and having undertaken an obligation in writing for its organization and conduct in accordance with this Law, can act as organizers of a meeting, rally, street procession, demonstration, picket, which is expected to involve up to 1000 people, and other mass events regardless of the number of expected participants. Political parties, trade unions and other organizations of the Republic of Belarus can act as organizers of a meeting, rally, street procession, demonstration, picket, which is expected to involve more than 1000 people.

The application for holding a mass event is submitted by its organizer to the local executive and administrative body in the territory of which the mass event is planned to be held.

The head of the local executive and administrative body or his deputy is obliged to consider the application and, no later than five days before the date of the mass event, inform the organizer of the decision in writing.

Mass events, as well as the performances of their participants, are held at a specified time and in an agreed place in accordance with the goals specified in the application.

During the mass event, its participants are obliged to observe public order and comply with all lawful requirements of the organizers of the mass event, law enforcement officers, and public representatives performing duties to protect public order.

Violation of the procedure for organizing or conducting mass events entails administrative

responsibility under Art. 24.23 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences for both participants (Part 1 of Art. 24.23) and organizers (Part 2 of Art. 24.23) of mass events. As a punishment, administrative liability is provided in the form of a fine, public works, or administrative arrest.

Repeated violation of the procedure for organizing or holding mass events constitutes a criminal offense provided for by Art. 342² of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus.
As a punishment, criminal liability is provided, including in the form of imprisonment for up to three years.

Public calls for the organization or holding of illegal assemblies, rallies, street processions, demonstrations, or picketing, or involving persons in participation in such mass events, constitute a criminal offense provided for by Art. 369³ of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. As a punishment, criminal liability is provided, including in the form of imprisonment for up to five years.