Prosecutor’s office fears protests of market vendors

Today the chairman of the public association “For free development of enterprise” Viktar Harbachou has been summoned to the prosecutor’s office of Barysau district (according to his place of registration) again.

There he was officially handed an official warning for his appeals for holding protests (Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code) and for actions on behalf of an organisation which is not registered in Belarus (Article 193 Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus). The warning was signed by the prosecutor of Barysau district Uladzimir Shpakouski, Radio Svaboda informs.

“I was informed that prosecutor’s office representatives have found on the web numerous publications and interviews in which I allegedly urge market vendors to hold protest rallies. My explanations that I simply expressed my personal opinion were not accepted. They even threatened by criminal responsibility against me,” Viktar Harbachou said.

He also says that the prosecutor’s office warning makes him behave more carefully and accurately.

“However the association “For free enterprise” has a right to study the economic situation at markets of Belarus and explain it to people. Besides, we act within the framework of our organization’s statute. And we shall continue that,” Viktar Harbachou said.