Minsk authorities ban anti-crisis picket

According to Radio Racyja, Minsk city authorities have banned an anti-crisis picket in downtown Minsk on 18 August. The picket was arranged by activists of the oppositional Belarusian Party of Communists, who were going to protest against the violations of the social rights of workers, as well as to demand a wage rise, advance of social benefits and prevention of mass job destruction.
According to the party’s press secretary Siarhei Vazniak, the authorities banned the rally because they are afraid of the social campaign launched by the local oppositional Communists and members of the United Civil Party of Belarus.
‘We consider this a success in our social campaign, when during a day our activists distribute anti-crisis proposals in 30 Belarusian cities and towns. The authorities do not have their own anti-recession plan, while the crisis is still growing. That is why they are so nervous,’ says Mr.Vazniak.