93_156 interference 156. As regards the alleged failure to show that the meeting had been disrupted, the applicants point to overwhelming evidence presented to the domestic courts, including statements by independent witnesses, such as the college director. Furthermore, there is no requirement in law to prove the lawfulness of the meeting or to show that it was “necessary” or “should be carried out”. Besides, the first applicant has never made an admission of the kind alleged by the Government. The Government's attempts to reverse the burden of proof notwithstanding, it was incumbent on the intervening authorities to show that the meeting had been unlawful, which they were unable and failed to do. As to the form of the meeting in question, the applicants consider that its actual form – be it a rite, ceremony, prayer, hymn or other liturgy – is of no relevance for the legal analysis of the alleged violation. In this respect it suffices to establish the religious character of the meeting.