Belarusian parties oppose new law

June 5, BPN. Four Belarusian opposition parties have said that a new law on political parties violates the constitution and restricts their rights.

The parties, which held a joint news conference in Vilnius, said the law imposes unreasonable limits on party creation and activity, requires them to submit lists of members to the justice ministry and contradicts a resolution of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly to strengthen the role of parties.

The United Civic Party (UCP), Belarusian Greens Party, Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada) and Belarusian Popular Front called for the law to be repealed and examined by the Constitutional Court. The parties refused to disclose their members’ identities to the ministry for fear of exposing them to persecution.

The law was signed by Alaksandr Łukašenka in February and required parties to reregister by June 4.