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Despite the mass arrests, the democracy movement in Belarus once again expanded its protests, with a general strike. Thousands of people marched through the streets of Minsk again, mostly older people and students.
“Long live Belarus!” protesters shouted as they marched through the capital Minsk. Thousands of people took to the streets again, many of them seniors and students. According to the human rights organization Wesna, 255 people were arrested, ARD correspondent Jo Angerer even spoke of more than 300. At night, the police continued to act against the participants in the protests. Videos were aired on the Telegram news channel that showed masked uniformed men beating protesters and putting them into minibuses.
National call for a general strike
The demonstration was preceded by a call for a national general strike. There were several messages and videos on Telegram from companies said to have joined the strike call. At the largest Belarusian refrigerator manufacturer Atlant in Minsk, workers marched through the corridors and loudly demanded the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko. A worker for the state oil company Belarusneft and his colleagues posted their message online: “We are against the violence and anarchy currently prevailing in the country. We are joining the general strike.”
However, the government emphasized that operations in all state-owned companies are going according to plan. Industry Minister Pyotr Parchomchik only spoke of some “waves”. The strike calls did not cause any economic damage.
Ultimatum no effect
Opposition leader Svetlana Tichanovskaya reported on her exile in the EU, saying there was “very active” participation after the appeal. Medical personnel, computer companies and students participated, as well as many private companies. “It’s an incredible level of solidarity,” said the 38-year-old. And that is just the beginning. He called on the people to show the “regime” that they have lost all support.
Tichanowskaja had given Lukashenko an ultimatum until Sunday to resign from his post, end police violence, release political prisoners and call new elections. As expected, Lukashenko missed the deadline.
With information from Karla Engelhard, ARD Studio Moscow, currently. Sedan.
