Third Day of Vendors` Protest In Minsk :: Charter'97 :: News

For the third day entrepreneurs in Minsk carry out a protest rally. Today about 300 self-employed entrepreneurs gathered near the market Dinamo. The traders of this market are taking the most active part in the national indefinite strike. Demonstrators state that they are not going to negotiate about paying the VAT on the terms of the government, and are going to continue indefinite strike. Besides, vendors told that they would consider starting work by vendors as betrayal of Anatol Shumchanka, leader of Perspektyva vendors’ public association, who was sentenced to 10 days of arrest for participation in the protest rally of vendors on March 1 in Minsk on October Square.

Besides, the traders have carried out reprisal action against strike-breakers, the entrepreneurs who make money during the general strike. Taking advantage of the fact that Dinamo market is almost empty, several vendors continued trade, which is especially profitable before the holiday. In absence of competition the vendors’ benefit was equal to the monthly one. About 200 vendors walked around the market and made the “rats” close their stalls. The strikers appealed to conscience and solidarity of their colleagues, chanted “Shame!” and threw money under their feet. The rest of the booths was closed, as nobody could endure it.

During the protest policemen tried to detain one of the traders, allegedly for identification. However the entrepreneurs showed solidarity again. Demanding to release their companion, they almost broke the doors of the police department open. To calm down the people policemen had to let journalists into the police department, and in 15 minutes the detainee was released.

The vendors told that they are going to continue the protest. Tomorrow they are to gather by Dinamo market again.