“Lukashenko’s Truncheon” – an article under such heading appeared in the latest issue of the Czech weekly “Respect”, dealing with the situation in Belarus before the presidential elections: “All throughout his tenure in office Lukashenko has been harassing his opponents consecutively and via all different methods. Those who were lucky enough not to vanish under mysterious circumstances, received such a negative evaluation by the state propaganda machine that the majority of viewers, having no access to alternative media sources, perceive oppositionists in a negative light.”

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The municipal court of Borisov considered the case of a ZUBR activist Dmitry Fedorchenko. On June 1 the man engaged in an unsanctioned picket at the doorstep to the city hall. The picket was dedicated to the International Day of Kids’ Protection. Judge of the Borisov city court Alexei Bolotov fined him for his involvement in the protest 150 minimum wages (roughly $750).

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Initiative group of the potential runner for the president Vladimir Goncharik reports that the chair of the Federation of trade unions of Belarus gathered the needed amount of signatures for registration. Syamon Domash runs up second, lacking just a little. Mikhail Chigir was supported by 72 thousand signatories, Sergei Kalyakin – by 68 thousand, Sergei Antonchik – 60 thousand, Alexander Yaroshuk – 57 thousand.

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“Will you trust the elections more, given they are monitored by independent observers?” – NISEPI pollsters asked Belarusian nationals within the framework of the sociological poll in June this year. The overwhelming majority – 75% – answered positively. 15% stick to an opposite thinking, while 10% don’t know yet.

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Leadership of the “lower chamber” unexpectedly stated the necessity to go for yet another referendum in Belarus. Ahead of the presidential elections the so-called deputies seek to extend the parliament’s authority, trusting that the Europeans will recognize the “parliament”, reports Radio “Ratsya”.

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Spontaneous assembly of workers rocked the Baranovichi manufacture of automatic lines. Chair of the trade union Anatoly Rusak pointed out that the turmoil was provoked by the chronic payment delays and miserable wages (in May the average salary amounted to 79 thousand rubles, in June – 89 thousand). Since early this year Russian consumers no longer finance the production of the unique equipment. As a result of the conflict, three forth of the employees got their monies, whereas the company’s director is reported to shortly resign.

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