28.08.2009 Dictator confirmed rigging presidential elections

Alyaksandr Lukashenka said the results of the presidential elections 2006 were rigged.

The Belarusian ruler told in an interview published in “Izvestia” newspaper on August 27: “I have information that 93% voted for me at he last elections. Later, when I felt pressure, I admitted that the elections had been forged. I told then: “Yes, they are forged.” I ordered that the results should be about 80%, I don’t remember the exact figure, but not 93%. 90 is difficult for perception. But this is true.”

28.08.2009 Opposition rallies not welcome in downtown Vitsebsk

Vitsebsk city authorities have arrived at a decision to restrict the number of locations for holding pickets and rallies to three places on the outskirts of the city, thus putting a ban on organizing mass actions in downtown Vitsebsk. The same decision also regulates the procedures of holding demonstrations, including permits by local police, medical and utility departments. Local pro-dem activists have repeatedly called upon the city authorities to authorize holding rallies in the city center. However, the officials are still afraid of letting opposition activists hold actions in downtown Vitsebsk.

28.08.2009 New Life church Protestants to complain at UN about Belarusian authorities

Members of New Life Church continue the all-day pray in their church protesting against persecution by the authorities.

As Radio Svaboda reports, there are no more court instances where the church members could apply to defend their rights.

“We are considering a question on making a complaint to the Human Rights Committee,” the lawyer of the church Syarhei Lukanin says.

The church members held a general meeting and decided not to organize street actions and not to go on hunger strike protesting against the actions by the authorities.