English

Opposition activists in Minsk demonstrate for election boycott

Several members of the Belarusian Christian Democracy (BCD) party demonstrated in Minsk on Tuesday to call for a boycott of September's parliamentary elections.

The event took place in the square in front of the central entrance to the busy Kamarowski food market and was attended by Vital Rymashewski, co-chairman of the opposition party and a former presidential candidate.

The demonstrators held signs that said, "There are no elections" and "Don't go to the polls - you will be deceived!"

"I believe we have chosen the only correct stance on these elections and this is a boycott. We are fighting to achieve the release of political prisoners and hold free elections in the country," Mr. Rymashewski said.

He noted that if the event passed off without incidents, the party would hold similar demonstrations at the venue every day.

Police observed and filmed the event but did not interfere, apparently because the demonstrators are members of BCD member Maryna Khomich's nomination group who may gather ballot access signatures on the streets.

The demonstrators did collect signatures - not to ballot access petitions but to a petition calling for the release of political prisoners. //BelaPAN