Zmitser Khvedaruk: Rally on February 14 to Take Place under Any Conditions :: Charter'97 :: News

Activists of the Young Front organization have stated that they would mark St. Valentine’s Day under the theme “Love! Freedom! Changes!” It is the tenth annual rally of the Young Front. Activists hope that passers-by are to see several theatrical performances. The first of them is to take place at 6 p.m. on Freedom Square in Minsk.

The Young Front activists are set to stage the rally though city authorities haven’t authorized it. Activists have prepared candles, Bengal lights and Valentine’s cards which would be handed out to passers-by.

The march is to stat on Freedom Square and to head towards French Embassy, and then to Polish, German and U.S. Embassies.

An activist of the Young Front Zmitser Khvedaruk, who has spent three days in the KGB remand prison as a suspect in participation in unregistered organization’s activities, says that the rally is to take place under any conditions. In case it would not be possible to gather in Freedom Square, activists have prepared other variants.

“In case Freedom Square would be cordoned off since morning, we would find a place to hold the protest. The Young Front uses a slogan: “Belarus to Europe!”, and it could contribute to the success of the rally. Now we observe Lukashenka having holding talks with the West. In the eyes of Europe permission for the rally could be a plus. In all weather, under any conditions, even if the square would be cordoned off, and in presence of riot policemen, St. Valentine’s Day is to take place in Freedom Square at 6 p.m.,” the activist said to Radio Svaboda.

On January 15 activists filed an application to Minsk city executive committee for holding a rally on February 14. on February 9 city authorities denied an official permission for the action.