Protest rally in Baranavichy on February, 26
The police have drawn up protocols on five persons for their participation in the protests against the so-called ‘parasite’ tax which took place in Baranavichy on February, 26.
They are accused of violation of order of holding mass events. There is no information about when their cases will be considered.
“I will not speak for everyone, but my father and me are not the persons to be intimidated. We will continue to seek the abolition of the anti-constitutional decree,” Mikalai Charnavus Jr told BelaPAN.
About 300 people took part in the rally in Lenin Square in Baranavichy. Among others, Chairman of the United Civic Party Anatol Lyabedzka made a speech at the event. The participants adopted a resolution demanding to revoke the decree.
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Decree Nr 3 signed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka in April, 2015 established the obligation of the citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens permanently residing in Belarus, stateless persons, who did not participate in the financing of public spending or participated in such financing less than 183 days (six months – ed.) in the past year, to pay a fee of 20 basic units (appr. $230).
In late February, protests were held in a number of Belarusian cities and towns. The most sizable action took place in Homiel where 3,000 – 4,000 persons gathered. This time, the Belarusian government opted not to break up the protests that later spread from Minsk to other towns. Interestingly, after the protests Lukashenka left for Russia’s Sochi.
Lukashenka leaves for Sochi after street protests in Belarus (ENG subtitles)
February 20 was the latest date for paying the so-called tax on parasitism. 51,600 Belarusians complied with the demand. In total, about 470,000 received tax office letters. Therefore, every 9th ‘idler’ paid the tax. The state budget has received 15.6 mln Belarusian rubles from them.
Lukashenka vs parasite tax critics (ENG subtitles)
