16th of every month is Solidarity day with all the victims of dictatorial regime in Belarus.

Belarus is notoriously known as "The last dictatorship in Europe". Numerous human rights violations are taking place constantly, amongst which involuntary disappearances of the opponents of the regime and imprisonment for political motifs.

Shortly before the presidential elections in the year 2000 the following distinguished Belarusian political and public figures were subjected to involuntary disappearances: ex-Minister of Internal Affairs General Yuri Zakharenko (May 7, 1999); Vice Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Belarus Victor Gonchar (September 16, 1999); businessman Anatoly Krasovsky (September 16, 1999); journalist Dmitri Zavadsky (July 7, 2000). Their fate remains unknown.

On February the 8th entrepreneurs Mikalai Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau, and Uladzimir Asipenka were arrested in Vaukavysk on suspicion of arson of a local militiaman’s house. However, another person was punished for this crime. The "investigation" is just being prolonged till June the 3rd.

Mikalai Autukhovich went on hunger strike on April 16 demanding to send his case to court. He says he is being persecuted on political motives. Relatives of the arrested think the investigative agencies have no proofs and so they are buying time to fabricate the case. Mikalai Autukhovich and Yury Lyavonau were sentenced to prison terms before, and were recognized prisoners of conscience.

For over 3,5 years now in many countries of the world on the 16th of every month Solidarity Days with Belarus are organized in form of peaceful demonstrations to express support to the victims of Lukashenko's regime in Belarus. Solidarity actions will go on till the open investigation of the cases of enforced disappearances is going to take place and till there are no human rights violations occuring in Belarus.

Traditionally foundation "We Remember" is initiating an action in front of the Belarusian embassy in The Hague. This time, the coming Saturday, the action is taking place from 16:30 till 17:30. Actions of solidarity will take place in Minsk and other Belarusian and world cities.

CIWR.ORG

On the photo: Solidarity Day with Belarus, Warsaw, Poland, April 16 2009