On the eve of the Day of Solidarity a rally of “European Belarus” civil campaign activists was held near the entrance to the Botanic Garden in Minsk.

About 30 persons lined up around the entrance to the park. They were holding portraits of those who had been convicted or are waiting for a verdict in the criminal case opened by the authorities of Belarus after the peaceful rally of December 19. There were also portraits of illegally accused businessman Autukhovich, and a journalist Andrzej Poczobut charged with insult of the president.

“Our leader Andrei Sannikov, a coordinator of the campaign Zmitser Bandarenka, a spokesperson Alyaksandr Atroshchankau, activists Dzmitry Drozd and Syarhei Kazakou are behind the bars. Uladzimir Kobets is expecting the trial, many had to escape the country. Dozens of people have been sentenced to different terms for participation in the peaceful rally on December 19. Despite of all the attempts to stifle the pro-democracy movement in Belarus, “European Belarus” campaign will continue to fight for freedom of all political prisoners, and demand changes in the country,” stated one of the participants of the rally Uladzimir Lemesh.

The rally was observed by numerous visitors of the park, and by those who were driving along the Independence Avenue at that moment. People were amazed by the number of the rally participants, and made pictures eagerly. In a while concerned passers-by warned the participants of the rally that they heard that someone had been calling the police. However, when policemen arrived, the rally finished.

The most interesting fact is that an unknown who called out the police was photographed. He showed his documents to the policemen and started to announce loudly that he “saw about 20 persons standing with portraits”, and showed where they should be searched for, as “they are hiding behind the columns for sure.”

Charter`97