News on 5.05.2009

5.05.2009

Street sprinklers against participants of the solidarity rally 23

18:06, — Politics

Before the rally of solidarity which was to start in October square of Minsk on May 5 in the evening, several street cleaning machines arrived to the scene. For some time people couldn’t stay on the square, as they risked to be showered by water.

Human rights activist detained and searched on Belarusian border

18:00, — Politics

On May 4, Belarusian human rights activist Valyantsin Stefanovich was searched carefully on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border.

Waffles Kolya appeared on sale in Minsk (Photo fact)

17:38, — Politics

The new product drew attention of Minsk dwellers with its name – Kolya is a name of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s younger son.

How Belarusian journalists spray-painted Berlin wall (Photo) 3

17:29, — society

East Side Gallery in Berlin has become a real symbol of freedom, having turned the border between Eastern and Western Germany into the longest painting gallery in the world.

Hunger strike of “Young Front” (Photo-report) 2

16:44, — Politics

The hunger strike of activists of the Young Front continues in the headquarters of the Belarusian Popular Front party. The hunger strike was announced in solidarity with political prisoners Mikalay Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau and Uladzimir Asipenka.

Ales Byalatski: “Present legislative system of Belarus poses a threat to all: journalists, human rights activists and public activists”

15:39, — Politics

Human rights activists speak in favour of changing the Belarusian legislation I order to improve human rights situation in the country.

Belarusian authorities set to deal with Russian TV 48

15:11, — Politics

The head of the Information Ministry stated that “enough of embraces with Russian TV Channels”.

White-red-white flag opposite the building of Belarusian MFA (Photo) 2

14:55, — Politics

A national Belarusian flag appeared today in Kirau Street opposite the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.

Anatol Lyabedzka: “Case of Yury Zakharanka has no statute of limitation and doesn’t depend on political conditions” 4

14:20, — Politics

The United Civil Party is going to hold a “chain of memory” on October square at 6.00 p.m. on May 7 dedicated to the 10th anniversary of disappearing former interior minister of Belarus Yury Zakharanka.

Turmoil at Minsk airport 10

13:44, — Politics

A delegation of Belarusian opposition politicians and the Belarus Free Theatre were flying today to Prague for the EU summit.

Andrei Sannikov: Lukashenka became a lame duck 21

13:32, — Politics

Andrei Sannikov, leader of the civil campaign “European Belarus”, thinks a cancelation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s visit to the EU summit in Prague means the Belarusian dictator remains persona non grata in Europe.

Oppositionist fine for banner “Shame to Political Draft!”

12:51, — Politics

Youth activist Syarhei Klyueu was fined 175,000 Belarusian rubles for having hung out a banner in Minsk on February 23.

Militia searching oppositionists’ flats in Homel

12:26, — Politics

The Homel militia is visiting opposition activists living near the supposed place of meeting of Lukashenka and Yushchenko.

Entrepreneurs protesting against selling beer in stalls arrested in Brest 6

11:40, — Politics

Anatol Shumchanka, chairman of the republican non-governmental association “Perspective”, and deputy chairman Viktar Chaikouski were detained for unknown reasons in Brest at 10.40 a.m. May 5.

Foreign Ministry of Belarus: Syamashka and Martynau to go to summit in Prague (Photo) 39

10:51, — Politics

An official delegation which is to go to the Eastern Partnership summit in Prague on May 7 has been formed.

Mikalay Autukhovich lost 15 kg during hunger strike

8:51, — Politics

The political prisoner is still staying in the medical unit of the remand prison. He is firm to continue hunger strike till the end.

Independent trade unions: inclusion of Belarus in Eastern Partnership program is premature 5

8:40, — Politics

The Radio and Electronic Industry Trade Union calls on the European Union not to shut eyes on violation of workers’ rights in Belarus.