Unlawful cutting of trees in Salihorsk
As it became known to social activists of the
campaign Protecting Forest the cutting
of a piece of wood in the green zone between Zaslonau and Kazlou Streets was
appointed on the weekend.
A part of the green zone had been destroyed in November 2010. Salihorsk dwellers
tried to protect it, and the authorities had to retreat after a two-month
confrontation, trials and fines. Barys Batura, governor of the Minsk region, took personal control over the situation
and prohibited the local authorities to cut down wood there.
Local dwellers have never trusted much to promises of the authorities. They
state that the first cut-down was at least sanctioned by an official ruling,
whereas the remaining part is a segment of recreation zone which is protected
from destruction by the Belarusian legislation.
Therefore, at present civil activists of Salihorsk are working at a plan of
activities on protection of the forest. They don’t rule out the possibility of creating
a "human shield" around it. At present they organize a 24-hour duty
near the green zone.