‘Constitution! Law! Unity!’ Protests in March
Hrodna-based members of the United Civic Party of Belarus (UCPB) are set to a ‘non-parasite’ picket on June, 27.
The activists, who are seeking the abolition of the so-called ‘social parasite’, also want to tell Hrodna residents about the party’s program “Million New Jobs.”
“The protests have died down, because Alyaksandr Lukashenka reportedly stated that the decree had been suspended. But in fact, it has not been cancelled, and people continue to ask questions about this. We demand the complete abolition of Decree nr 3! Our people are indignant at the president’s behavior. If one is not able to create jobs for people, they should make way for those who are able, who have an action plan! The ‘Million New Jobs is a real alternative to the actions of the authorities, who are now picking the unemployed people’s pockets,” the UPCB says in a statement.
Decree Nr 3 signed by president 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).
The notorious decree caused a massive public outcry. In February-March, protests were held in a number of Belarusian cities and towns. On March 21, the Belarusian leader said Decree Nr 3 would not be abolished or suspended.
On March 25, Belarusians came to main squares of their cities to protest the ‘parasite’ law and celebrate the unofficial Freedom Day. But the Minsk riot police brutally dispersed the protest. Hundreds of people – even women, elderly people, journalists and ordinary passers-by – were arrested, battered and jailed. On Monday, judicial machinery was launched.
