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Opponents of controversial Internet edict to stage protest in Mahilyow

Opponents of a presidential edict, which opposition groups and independent experts fear aims to tighten the government’s control over the Internet, have announced plans to stage a demonstration in Mahilyow on July 24, BelaPAN reports.

The city authorities sanctioned the protest against the edict, officially titled, "On Measures to Improve the Use of the National Segment of the Internet.” The demonstration will be held outside the city center.

“Don’t fear. No revolution will take place,” the organizers say in their appeal posted on the 222.by site. “Everybody who opposes the authorities’ restrictions on freedom in the national segment of the Internet can show up at the rally and say this loudly. Perhaps, you will be even shown on the telly.”

The organizers are affiliated with Andrey Padlybny, the author of a nationwide signature-collection campaign for the abolition of the edict.