The day of Solidarity: Belarusians Continue Street Actions (Photo) :: Charter'97 :: News

Hundreds of people on 16 January went into the streets of Minsk and other Belarusian cities and towns to manifest their solidarity with the families of the Belarusian disappeared journalists, political prisoners and those fighting for freedom and democracy in Belarus.100 youth activists lighted the candles of Freedom and Solidarity at the Svislach river embankment .50 people with burning candles and of Freedom and Solidarity and portraits of political prisoners stood in chain at the central railway station. “Freedom to Political Prisoners!” posters were hanged in different places of Minsk and independent newspapers were distributed throughout Belarus. The solidarity actions were held in regional centers of the country as well as in Baranavichi, Babruisk, Zhodzina, Barisau, Saligorsk, Niasvizh and other towns. Thousands of Belarusians lighted candles at their windowsills .In many countries all over the world Belarusian embassies were picketed and the actions of solidarity were taken.

Several activists were detained during the actions. The center of Minsk was under control of the reinforced militia squads. The Kastrichnitskaya, Peramogi, Yakub Kolas squares, and Nyamiga streets were almost cordoned off by the OMON Anastasya Chakhovskay, Vladzimir Luksha, Valyantsin Sakalovsky and Aliaksey Bondar were detained during the action at the central railway station .50 youth activists were standing with burning candles and portraits of the political prisoners. Five minutes after the action began a bus with OMON arrived. Four activists were detained and taken to the militia department. After their documents check they were let free.

Actions of solidarity were held abroad, in Poland, the Czech Republic, USA, Ukraine, Russia Belgium, Sweden, Estonia and other countries.

Actions of solidarity are taken monthly on the 16 day in Belarus and all over the world. Thousands of Belarusians and friends of our country light candles of Freedom at their windowsills, take street actions, attach white-red-white and jeans ribbons to their clothes, take part in flash-mobs and internet actions. In churches all over the world people pray in intention of the Belarusian political prisoners and families of the disappeared journalists.

Minsk

Poland