BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS
DATE:
26/03/2008
Belarusians Mark Anniversary Of Statehood
Around 3,000 people took part in a March 25 rally in Minsk marking the 90th anniversary of the proclamation of Belarusian People's Republic, which pro-democratic Belarusians regard as a key event in the formation of Belarusian statehood in the 20th century, Belapan reported. The Minsk city authorities permitted demonstrators to march from the National Academy of Sciences to Bangalore Square on the outskirts of the city, but the organizers rejected that route, calling on the public to gather at Yakub Kolas Square in the downtown. The square was sealed off by riot police, who forced people to move toward the Academy of Sciences. Several hundred people attempted to march in the opposite direction, but the police blocked the way. Those who managed to push their way through the police cordons were dispersed from the main avenue to quieter streets, where some were beaten and detained. The rally took place in front of the Academy of Sciences, where Belarusian Popular Front leaders Lyavon Barshcheuski and Vintsuk Vyachorka delivered speeches. Vyachorka accused the Russian government of using its energy resources as a tool to incorporate Belarus. The gathering decided to disperse rather than to march to the square on the outskirts of the city. According to Ales Byalyatski, head of the Vyasna Human Rights Center, around 100 people were detained during the demonstration. AM
Source:
http://www.rferl.org/newsline/2008/03/3-cee/cee-260308.asp
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