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Over 100 Hrodna residents took to the streets to protest the so-called decree on idlers.
Decree Nr 3 signed by president 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 participants were marching along the city streets and chanting „Long live Belarus!”„Off with Lukashenka! Down with Decree Nr 3!” Some carried posters with slogans like: “The president is the main parasite.”
“I am here to defend my rights. The authorities have crossed the line that should not have been crossed. The nation is keeping them, they build luxurious houses for themselves, and they are ill treating people, particularly youngsters who barely make a living due to the lack of jobs. Of course, the nation is not going to tolerate it. The decree has become the final straw,” protester Syarhei says.
“The decree can go to blazes! Together with our president and government! I have come here to stand up for our rights to freedom of choice and freedom of action,” another man explains.
“Everyone might become the target of this law. Even those who are working today can end up behind bars. If we swallow it, they can adopt second, third, fourth decree which would demean our dignity.”
“It’s absurdist. Don’t they understand that a housewife who raises her family is not a ‘social parasite’?”
The Hrodna police demanded protesters stop the rally and captured them on video.
Another protest action is to take place on March 15 at 18.00 in Hrodna’s Gilibert Park. The participants called on the citizens to expand information about the protest, come and invite friends and relatives.
Онлайн з акцыі недармаедаў ў Гомлі
On February 19, protests were held in five Belarusian cities. The most sizable action took place in Homel where 3,000 – 4,000 persons gathered there:
