ArchivesSecond day of Struggle for Freedom in Belarus!
11:40 PM EST(6:40AM in Minsk)
Results of the night are following:
- Total 18 tents were installed
- People made it through the night
- Those who went out of the square to restrooms or to get some food, were at risk to be arrested
- Few mens were brutally arrested on their way back to the square.
Right now rally has been resumed. People started coming back to square. Both Milinkevich and Kozylin are there with them.
Good Luck guys! May your spirit be strong and will be unbreakable! United We Stand. Separated We Perish.
12:08 AM EST (7:08 AM in Minsk)
A journalsit from Radio Svaboda interviewed Alexander Milinkevich.
Q:What is your feeling about the last two days?
A:Excited. I did not expect that something like that would happen in Belarus. I did not expect that so many people will show up on the streets. They handle protesting in a such cold night.
Full interview can be found here.
It is in Belarusian though.
12:45 AM EST (7:45 AM in Minsk)
Some additional photos from Minsk. They depict people who BELIEVE! No matter how many sceptics are around of them. You know, some of us spend a liftime wondering whether we mad a difference. These people do not have such a problem…
photos are from www.charter97.org
Update 9:00AM EST(4:00 PM in Minsk)
Rally went on during the day. People are coming, despite of blocked by the police access to the square. Police is searching bags and confiscating food from those who is bringing it. There were also some attemps to arrest people who trying to bring food with them. Milinkevich reported that around 5:00PM (10:00AM EST) some ambassadors of the Europe Union countries are expected to show off and support those have will and strength to resist.
About 110 were arrested and were put on trial today. Among them not only citizens of Belarus, but also people from Estonia and Georgia.
Meanwhile president of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, congratulated Lukashenko with ‘glorious’ victory.
The rest of the Europe and USA supporting struggle of the free people of Belarus.
Update
svaboda.org published short video from Oktiabriskaya square from Minsk. You can view it here
Some fresh photos from the morning.
* svaboda.org
Update
Some fresh photos:
Writting on the poster: “What a sweet word ‘exPresident’”
* source
Update 10:00 AM EST(5:00 PM in Minsk)
It’s about 20 tents right now on the square and people are keep coming.
Lists of those who been missed since last night were created. According to few eyewitnesses, special forces were attacking some lonely walking mens and driving them away.
Looks like goverment starting massive kidnapping…
Update 10:30 AM EST (5:30 PM in Minsk)
Authorities started to fire back. Today, Belarusian local courts are working on cases of people arrested last night. Many of those arrested are people who attempted to bring food and warm clothes to the square. According to eyewitnesses, many were beaten up, threaten and already got 10 days in a local prison. There were attempts by authorities to plant fake money and charge arrested citizens with more serious charges. A brother of arrested Konstantin Rutkouski informed mass media that their parents got a phone call that warned them about possible problems to the family. Somebody also threaten that Konstantin will be expelled from the University because of his activities.
Update 10:50 AM EST (5:50 PM in Minsk)
There were demonstrations near Belarusian Embassy in Sweden. About 50 people showed up there to express their solidarity with Belarusians. Demonstrators critisized actions taken by Belarusian government and demanded new elections. One of the demonstrators said: We can’t accept the fact that in the center of Erope exists dictatorship of Lukashenka.
Update 11:02 AM EST (6:02 PM in Minsk)
Demonstrators protests for the second day in front of the Belarusian Embassy in Washington. They protest against falsification of elections. People who live in Washington supported them and were expressing their concern regarding a political situation in Belarus. Demonstrators lighted up candles in the night time and asked passing by cars to honk in their support.
For the 10th day, in Poland going on protests against Lukashenka’s regime. Last night, demonstrators played photo slides from the October Square on the wall of the Embassy.They plan to protest again today around 6:30 PM.
Update 11:15 AM EST (6:15 PM in Minsk)
Beltelekom Blocks Charter’97 Site
16:39, 21/03/2006
Belarusian state-owned internet-provider Beltelecom, which has a monopoly for external internet gateway, has blocked the Charter’97 press center internet source (www.charter97.org). Unlike attacks against the Belarusian Internet on the elections day on March 19, communications experts together with special services were not trying to invent something original to block the information on the web, and simply “cut off” access to the Charter’97 site on the gateway.
With the help of the utility tcptraceroute it is seen that tcp packets are blocked by “Belpak” routers.
It is getting clear that communications experts for another time are executing the political order and perform censorship of Belarusian Web. The authorities are frightened and are trying to prevent information flow about the tent camp on October Square in the center of Minsk, and about mass protests of Belarusians against presidential elections rigging.
Therefore, whoever reads these lines right now, help us to inform Internet community about Belarus and its struggle. Link or copy information, spread the word!!!
Try to visit www.charter97.org. They do have english version of their page!
Update 11:35 AM EST (6:35 pm in Minsk)
People are slowly go to the October Square. As of this moment, there are about 2000 of them and more are coming. There is music playing and about 20 tents are installed. People are not giving up.
Update 12:06 PM EST (7:06 pm in Minsk)
Ambassadors from the EU arrived on the October Square…
Update 1:04 PM EST(8:04 PM in Minsk)
Kozylin proposed to stop rally and gather again on 25th of March. People disagree and saying “We are here already. If we will go away now, nobody will come on 25th”.
There are also some pieces of information that Belarussian Special Forces are planing dispersal of rally, and they are only awaiting a moment when journalists would leave the square.
Update 1:14 PM EST(8:14 PM in Minsk)
Just a few minutes ago Kozylin gave a speech in which he had announced creation of the Goverment of National Trust. “Revolution” is in the air…
Update 2:45 PM EST(9:45 PM in Minsk)
People still there and they don’t want to go home, despite of the fact that Milinkevich and Kozylin asked them to leave and come back on 25th of March. According to some sources there is ‘clearing’ operation planned to take place soon. Because of that Milinkevich asked all women to leave the square. There is no way to get to the square right now, as it’s surronded by police and special troops. 2 blocks down the square military vehicles and troops are gathered. Looks like command to attack are not yet sounded… Will he dare?
Anyway, according to information from one of the participants, there is a merry atmosphere among people. Belarussian, Ukranian and bits of Russian music is playing. Spirit of liberty is in the air! ЖЫВЕ БЕЛАРУСЬ!
Update 4:00 PM EST (11 pm in Minsk)
Euronews reports that countries of the European Union and the United States of America did not accept results of the Belarussian elections. Only Russia and Iran did….What about North Korea?
Update 4:05 PM EST (11:05 in Minsk)
Radio Svaboda just reported that there are about 3 thousand Belarusians remain on the October Square. About 108 people were arrested last night. At this minute, swat teams surrounded the Square.
Update 6:00 PM EST (1:oo am in Minsk)
There are about 2000 people still on the Square. Even though, it is very cold, people continue to protests. They are supplied with warm clothes, gloves, socks by other Belarusians.
March 20th, 2006 at 11:54 pm
Xela! You good! C’mon man, still awake? You should be at work in 5 hours but you still keep our reader updated…Nice job
I will keep my eye on what is happening in Belarus until the morning. Take it from there…You need rest
March 21st, 2006 at 12:03 am
got it man. check your email
March 21st, 2006 at 12:14 am
Даёшь палаточный городок! По больше палаток, кофе и водки! Заграница нас поддержит!
а вообще, смешно, устроили цирк в центре Минска. Посмотрим, сколько там РЕАЛЬНО ЗАКАЛЁННЫХ ЛЮДЕЙ. потому что с такой температурой и влажностью ночевать в палаке может только герой-полярник.
Тоже мне Майдан :)) ситуацию в Украине и Белоруси нельзя сравнивать даже приблизительно. Такой же сценарий не прокатит. Единственное что могут штаты влезть, что ещё хуже ОБСЕ. Или что ещё хуже, экономическую блокаду устроят. ВОТ ТОГДА НАША СТРАНА ТОЧНО ОКАЖЕТСЯ В ТАКОЙ *ОПЕ, ЧТО 1990-1993 года покажутся сахаром. Хотя кто из нас это тут в Америке заметит…..нам бы покричать, да кулаками помахать………………..
March 21st, 2006 at 12:37 am
So, you are saying that these people are nothing but show? Bunch of drunks who want some action? Have nothing to do but F…around in freezing conditions?
How many heroes are there? 500 hundred minus critics.
March 21st, 2006 at 8:30 am
Slava, I’m disappointed in you, fella… spitting in the face of nation, literally…
March 21st, 2006 at 8:43 am
btw, Slava, if you are so smart and could so clearly forsee situation, it will be really interesting to know what could you propose? Why are keeping silent, when people a good advise. Maybe your words could change the future. Staying silent when you know exactly what to do in situation like that is more then a crime…So speak up.
March 21st, 2006 at 12:05 pm
I wonder if something is going on here in New York… I guess not, but it would be nice to check. This Belarusian consulate is kind of hidden in the narrow street…
March 21st, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Recently talked to my friend, who is there.
There are some rumors regarding support of the action among police… it’s been said that if there will be more people on rally, police forces might join them. however, as far as I can judge from here it is mostly KGB forces who attacking solitary walking people. That’s why guys who are there asking everybody not to walk alone, but in small parties.
March 21st, 2006 at 1:56 pm
lukasenko (i write his name with small letter because he does not deserve big letter) remaind me about ceausescu , our communist ruler for a long period( since 1966 to 1989 when he was killed by his own people).as lukasenko, he had the support of russia and he ruled by terror and my people lived in a misery you hardly can imagine, without elementary rights.
in december 1989 i was 15 years old and i was in streets with hundred of thousands of people, most of them young as me.
we succedeed after two weeks of hard moments (you have to know that in those days in romania died more than 5000 warriors for liberty.
AT THAT TIME WE KNEW VERY WELL THAT IF WE DON’T GO IN THE STREETS WE WILL HAVE NOP FUTURE.
WE FAUGHT AND WE WON OUR LIBERTY!
YOU MUST DO THE SAME! IF YOU WILL NOT FIGHT FOR YOUR LIBERTY NOW YO’LL HAVE NO FUTURE!!!!
ALL THE ROMANIANS ARE WITH YOU!
LUKASENKO! GO AND VISIT CEAUSESCU! HE WANTS TO TALK WITH YOU!HE LIKES YOU!
March 21st, 2006 at 2:32 pm
Thanks a lot for your support!!!
March 21st, 2006 at 2:39 pm
May God bless all those people who are there right now! Our hearts and minds are with them…
March 21st, 2006 at 3:55 pm
we must find a way in which thousands of internet users can see theese pictures and read theese sentences.let ask some big companies who have very visited sites to put thid internet adress on a banner. as i understand you are in usa. you must have a solution.
March 21st, 2006 at 3:55 pm
We are working on it…
March 21st, 2006 at 4:33 pm
maybe is better to reduce the number of subject of discussion. i think is ok to remain just the forum with each day of struggle.
March 21st, 2006 at 9:51 pm
we will try cover as many possible events as possible, showing the english-speaking world all the details!
I personally want to say thank you reading us and supporting Belarusian nation in their heart and mind.
March 22nd, 2006 at 7:02 am
Don t let them to occupy you as they occupied Serbia.
There is no better life in democracy we can sincerely say after 6 years of “democratic changes”. Fight bastards from Us and Soros payed NGO s. Fight bastards from OTPOR. Democracy only means robbery, and there is no justice for poor.
Long live Russia, Belarus, Serbia
Save stronghold of freedom
March 22nd, 2006 at 7:04 am
Moderation in struggle for free media. Interesting approach
March 22nd, 2006 at 8:15 am
StrongHold, yeah, we have to moderate comments, because of tons of blog-spam we recieving every day. Sorry for any inconveniences.
March 22nd, 2006 at 9:59 am
Hey Stronghold, what is a general opinion on Miloshevich in Serbia? We do hear experts and critics pushing speeches on both sides, pro and anti, yet what about ordinary Serbs?
March 22nd, 2006 at 10:50 am
It isn t question at all, that the regime of Slobodan Milosevic was corrupt. Of course it was. But main problem is, that in “free market democracy” corruption is legalized, and it is only reason why it seems to us, that there is less coruption. Difference between old and new political order lies in responsibility. It is very easy to accuse Lukashenko or Milosevic because you can see them as the leaders, but who is responsible in “free market democracy”? Topple one politically puppet, and here is the other with same role and same policies. Real mony masters stay hiden behind the scene almost intangible. Money in politics results in theirs power and our responsibility. Power with no responsibility. Ideal dictatorship for 21 century. Maybe in Belarus some falsifying elections, but in Washington and Belgrade money lords legally buying electoral outcomes through financing politically party. Seat in CEO of Hallyburton after, sometimes during mandate, shares in Enron or contribution for campaign. It isn t big problem for suspicious in belarus vote rigging, democracy lovers and human rights believers. I can respect the man who pays his democratic belief from his own pocket, but I srongly feel contempt for “professional democrats”.
March 22nd, 2006 at 11:01 am
It s up to you decide what kind of democrats are yours. Pattern of your orange revoloution is same, and I am afraid outcome too. 2 million unemployed in Serbia and rest is working for 150 euros montly. Money and company monopolies connected with political oligarchy, like in communism, talking lies about better living standard, but ordinary people see quite opposite things. We succeeded to change local chief with global dictator who is more dangerous, crueller and more greedy The myth of independent and free western media is just a myth, even it s better to say lie. Every media depends of it s owner money. We in Serbia have good experiece. As Henry Ford said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black”. Bunch of “democratic media” with only one point of view. Difference between presence and past is only in type of media control.
Wellcome to matrix
March 22nd, 2006 at 11:03 am
you right man, and I can agree with you…not entirely, but partly for sure.
but there are some major differences between ‘free market democracy’ and, let’s say ‘dictatorship’, and the differences is that, that the latter will not allow you to lead decent life. it will take everything from you giving back nothing.
free market democracy gives more possibilities. of course it requires more responsibility and awarness, because it gives you a choice. you can grow to certain point and if you will not go into politics and will not aiming for earning billions more likely that you can happily live in democracy, then in dictatorship… that what actually people are struggling for, they does not care about this or that type of corruption. politics will always be politics and goverment will always be goverment. the changes to such natural law might only be made through transformation of human race itself. very deep transofrmation… while there are so much ego, hatered, jealosy and greedness in the world, what could be changed? just the form of theirs manifestation…
March 22nd, 2006 at 11:40 am
stronghold, i understand your aversion against united states who bombarded your country whithout reason to do that, but you have to admit that in belarus tehre are not elementary human rights and country is ruled by another state: Russia. What is the similarities betwen united states and russia? the same manner in spread their influence without carreing to much about countries like serbia, belarus or romania.
and about free market i wanna say you that free market becomes from the very healthy feature of human being named: own propriety.
in romania between 1990 and 2000 was a very strange free market in which some groups (former kgb and communists) were more free than others. in 1990 they conquered the not so well informed people from romania with the phraze:WE DON’T SELL OUR COUNTRY” but in years after this they achieved most of romanias factories and natural resources becaming very, very rich (some of them like the former prim minister Adrian NaSTASE have now almost 1 BILLION dollars) while common people became poor and poor. SO:DON’T BELIEVE TOO MUCH THE RULERS WHO SAYS :WE DON’T SELL OUR HOLLY COUNTRY.
if i know well Zoran Djingic was one of them.
both Serbia and Belarus will have many corruption and financial scandals, as were in Romania, but the way to real free market goes through them.
in Romania now is quite good , nobody is more equal than other and justice begun to work properly.but after 15years of not so good years.
by the way: if free market is so bad, why in slovenia a men has a payment which is equal with 4 payments in serbia?
March 22nd, 2006 at 11:50 am
i made a mistake: a payment in slovenia is equal with 6 payments in serbia!
March 22nd, 2006 at 11:53 am
LONG LIVE FREE BELARUS!SPRING IS COMING!