At 12:00 Hrodna residents gathered to hold a rally against Lukashenka’s decree on ‘spongers’ and celebrate the Freedom Day — unofficial holiday on account of the foundation of the first Belarusian nation-state — the Belarusian People’s Republic (BNR).
It came into existence at the end of the First World War, when Bolshevik forces left Minsk and the city was occupied by German troops. On March 25, 1918 the Provisional Government (Rada) proclaimed the independence of the BNR. After the Red Army re-entered Minsk, the Communist government replaced the Rada; its members had to emigrate. The current regime denies Freedom Day and often prevents the opposition forces from celebrating it.
In contrast to the Belarusian capital, no one has been detained in Hrodna.
- Riot police detaining Belsat TV journalists (video)
- Uladzimir Nyaklyayeu detained in Brest
- Minsk: Human rights defenders detained by riot police released after rally was over
Усе фотаздымкі
