Opposition youths in Zhlobin fix signs in support of imprisoned Zmitser Dashkevich :: Charter'97 :: News

Opposition activists in Zhlobin, Homyel region, on Thursday fixed two signs in the city in support of Zmitser Dashkevich, a leader of an unregistered opposition organization called Malady Front who is now serving a prison term.

The signs read, "Freedom to Dashkevich!" and "Repression will not stop us." According to an opposition activist, Kiryl Atamanchyk, they were fixed in crowded places, near the Palace of Sports and at the city`s central square.

The sign at the central square was removed 40 minutes later by some youths.

"The paradox is that not police but some village guys tore it off and started crying, `Freedom to parrots," Mr. Atamanchyk said. "I would like to note that official propaganda works efficiently, `hilling up` the new generation of Belarusian youths to make them a tower of strength for the ruling regime."

Mr. Dashkevich was sentenced to 18 months in a minimum-security correctional institution on November 1, 2006, found guilty of acting on behalf of Malady Front. In early June, he was denied release on parole.