Opposition holds action in Minsk amid Independence Day
Photo: Euroradio
On July 3 on the official Independence Day the opposition organized a rally titled "For a Peaceful Belarus" in the center of Minsk. At 1400 several hundred people gathered in Kastrycnickaja (October) Square. The demonstration was spearheded by Mikalai Statkevich, former political prisoner and ex-presidential candidate, currently the leader of Belarusian National Congress.
The demonstrators walked to the 'Red Cathedral' in Independence Square where Statkevich made a short speech before asking the participants at approximately 1430 to end the rally and break up because he was not aware of 'the side of the fund to pay potential fines."
Statkevich also announced plans to organize a big protest action in Minsk in September but declined to provide more details.
