Solidarity in the name of Freedom

13.10.2009, 9:54

Days of Belarusian Solidarity have been held for four years in a row. Opposition leaders have called upon Belarusians to gather on October Square in Minsk on October 16 at 6 p.m.

The democratic leaders of Belarus have made an address:

On October 16, 2005 the first Day of Solidarity was held. Then dozens of thousands of our fellow citizens lit candles in their houses in order to attract attention to repressions in our country.

For 4 years on every 16th day of the month Belarusians hold rallies in support of political prisoners and families of the disappeared public leaders. Over this time our solidarity and pressure on the regime by democratic countries helped to release many opposition activists from prisons.

Unfortunately, the main aim of the days of solidarity hasn’t been achieved yet. Political repressions in Belarus continue, prisoners of conscience Mikalai Autukhovich, Uladzimir Asipenka and Artsyom Dubski remain behind the bars. Peaceful street rallies are cracked down. The regime uses the new forms of isolation of young activists – forcible drafting to the army and house arrest.

The only thing the dictatorship still fears is our solidarity. Only by showing in street rallies we could make the authorities stop repressions and release political prisoners, as it had happened before.

We call upon all the concerned Belarusians to gather on the Day of Soolidarity, October 16, at 6 p.m. on October Square in Minsk with portraits of Belarusian prisoners of conscience and demand the authorities to start a real liberalization in the country, which is possible only after termination of political repressions and release of political prisoners.

Freedom to political prisoners! No to political repressions!

Yauhen Afnagel, “European Belarus” civil campaign coordinator

Zmitser Dashkevich, “Young Front” chairman

Andrei Krachko, “Moladz BNF” chairman

Anatol Lyabedzka, United Civil Party leader