29 May 2008
Opposition activists allowed to demonstrate in Brest against abolition of state benefits for children

The city authorities have allowed the United Pro-democratic Forces (UPF) to demonstrate in Brest on June 1 against the abolition of some state benefits for children.

The demonstration will take place between 4 and 5 p.m. at the remote Lakamatyw stadium, the only place in Brest where mass events may be held, Ihar Maslowski, chairman of the regional chapter of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party “Hramada” (BSDP), told BelaPAN.

The event will be held by activists of the BSDP, the Belarusian Party of Communists, the United Civic Party and the Belarusian Popular Front, parties that are part of Belarus’ main opposition coalition.

“This event is part of the UPF program of defending the citizens’ social rights,” Mr. Maslowski said. “This is a strategic priority for the regional chapter of the BSDP. We’re convinced that it’s unacceptable to save on children.”

The organizers have invited top city government officials to take part in the rally against last year’s law that abolished many state privileges for various groups of people, including fare discounts for children.