Belarus...the aftermath in Minsk

[mendeleyev]

Continuing violence against citizens in Belarus

From today's Mendeleyev Journal:

Although the Internet and many communications to the outside world successfully cut off by the dictatorship, violent clashes between state security forces and citizens continued today, July 4^th, behind the Iron Curtain of Communist Belarus.

 

Belarus security forces round up citizens. (Photo: Антона Мотолько) A Belarussian journalist for whom we hold great respect and will protect her identify during this time of crisis wrote this:

The Head of the State contends that even though he is an atheist, his is also Orthodox. With all the absurdity of this phrase, here are some quotes from the Law and Poetry: A false witness will not go unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. (Proverbs 19:9)

When all of this madness is over … sooner or later it will end … How will it look in the eyes of history? Who is guilty is not only the one who orders, but also the ones who obey the order to beat and humiliate our brothers. Maybe they do not think about it. Or maybe decided that the current regime will last forever. If you are reading this, understand that nothing lasts forever in this world. This is a very simple truth. And someday these men will have to run. Run fast, with tails between their legs and such fear will be real because people will not forgive you. And excuses will not help.

For now, it is enough to write. We must give everything in the hands of God who is the final Judge.” I am not a revolutionary, only the soul of the country, I hurt. Oh, so much I hurt for my country.


Watch here: http://www1.ntv.ru/swf/vps1.swf?xmllink=http://www.ntv.ru/vi251525/

[mendeleyev]

The violence has continued to spread out of Minsk and across Belarus.




Several of the world's political and public figures have sent an open letter to US President Barack Obama.

Dear Mr. President:

As the strong-armed rule of Alyaksandr Lukashenko faces its gravest economic crisis to date, we write to express our belief that now is the time for the United States, together with the European Union, to step up its efforts at securing the release of all political prisoners in Belarus and to intensify pressure on “Europe’s last dictatorship.”

During the last six months, Belarus has descended into a crippling financial crisis caused by years of profligate state spending and reckless economic policies by the government. The people of Belarus have borne the brunt of this calamity, watching their savings and real wages plummet, even as the prices of food, fuel and other imported goods have skyrocketed. But rather than addressing the needs of his citizens, President Lukashenko has threatened to close the country’s borders, promised to “whack” activists who organize protests over the Internet and invested his efforts in sustaining a repressive crackdown on members of the opposition, civil society and journalists. Many of these individuals have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms by a judicial system that has long been a political tool abused by Lukashenko. Still others face harassment, arrest and persecution at the hands of state authorities.

As U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and European Union (EU) High Representative Catherine Ashton declared in December, “The people of Belarus deserve better.”

As you said in Cairo two years ago, freedom of speech, the rule of law and the ability to choose one’s government “are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.” Likewise in your May 19 address at the State Department, you stated, “There are times in the course of history when the actions of ordinary citizens spark movements for change because they speak to a longing for freedom that has been building up for years.” We believe that moment is now at hand in Belarus.

Your Administration has shown leadership in condemning the abuses of the Lukashenko regime and supporting civil society and the victims of his brutality. But we urge you to consider additional measures focused on bringing about the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus and to reiterate America’s deep concern regarding reports of torture and other forms of cruel and degrading treatment of detainees.

In order to assist the people of Belarus in their struggle for freedom, we likewise encourage the Administration to expedite its efforts to provide material and technical assistance to Belarus’ opposition, civil society and journalists, and to expand current U.S. economic sanctions against the regime. We note how just last week, EU leaders instituted an arms embargo on material that might be used for political repression inside Belarus and imposed new sanctions on companies linked to the Lukashenko government. We support the EU’s efforts and recommend expanding the list of companies currently sanctioned by the U.S. government, including, inter alia, the state-owned arms manufacturer BelTechExport.

By ratcheting up pressure on the Lukashenko government, your Administration can send a strong signal that it is time for members of the regime to think about their future, especially as life becomes more unpleasant for them by the day.

Additionally, we recommend that the Administration state clearly and publicly its opposition to any assistance from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, following the lead of the European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as long as political prisoners remain in jail. These institutions must avoid dispensing assistance which could have the unintended consequence of extending the lifespan of this repressive regime. Now is not the time to throw Belarus’ dictatorship a financial life preserver.

Lastly, we encourage your Administration to think strategically about Belarus post-Lukashenko, when the people of Belarus are finally able to establish a democratic, free market society. In anticipation of that day, the United States should prepare now, so as to be in a position to rapidly assist in the establishment of internationally-recognized elections and rules-based, transparent governance in Belarus.

Your consideration of these concerns is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Victor Ashe

Anders Ĺslund

Ellen Bork

Ian Brzezinski

Susan Corke

Pavol Demeš

Peter B. Doran

Jeff Goldstein

Larry Hirsch

Donald Jensen

Dakota Korth

David J. Kramer

Irina Krasovskaya

David Marples

A. Wess Mitchell

Stephen Nix

Robert Nurick

Trygve Olson

Kurt Volker

[mendeleyev]

The disappearance of Charter 97 Journalist/Editor Nataliya (Natasha) Radzina has given rise to numerous rumours and so the opposition group Charter 97 has asked Western Media to assure the public that she is alive and well but it was necessary for her to flee Belarus because of pending arrest warrants.

The editorial office of charter97.org has asked Natasha to answer a few questions on the phone.

- Natasha, how have you managed to flee from under the KGB “guardianship” and leave Belarus?

I prefer not to go into detail, as it could harm the people who had helped me. I can only say that it was not a spontaneous decision; it had been caused by summons for the KGB interrogation. I feared not return home. I am thankful to all who has helped me to escape; it was a real heroic act on their part.

- Where are you now and when you will be ready to talk to journalists?

Things are not easy so far, but the most important thing is that I can stop thinking about wiretapping, tikhari (special services’ men in plainclothes) and interrogations. These days haven’t been the easiest days in my life. After it all was over, I was sleeping for 24 hours, and only now I start to recover myself. Now I have to complete all of the formalities and receive documents. I hope that all these procedures would be finished soon, and I will be able to work again, to meet with my friends. I do not like to name the country still, I can only say it’s a refugee camp.

- Do you need any help?

Thank you all who were concerned about me, distressed for me. First thing in he morning, I visited our website and read comments. It is a tremendous support! I want to complete all the necessary procedures and start my work again. I am convinced – together we shall win!

[mendeleyev]

It's early Wednesday morning in the country of Belarus and today again there will be a series of "silent protests" across the country. Silent means no signs, but citizens clap and sometimes sing.

Here in this video you can see how journalists with cameras are being treated by the dictator's security forces.


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrsWQ6BZSuw&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Until further notice, every Wednesday will be a "silent protest" day. Citizens hold no signs and shout no slogans in order to avoid arrest, but instead are encouraged to walk slowly past important government buildings and drive slowly in traffic so as to create traffic jams.

[mendeleyev]

For readers who've just joined us, if you're watching any news reports or YouTube videos from Belarus, the clapping by citizens is a form of "silent protest" as dictator Lukashenko has decreed a violent crackdown on those who hold signs or shout anti-government slogans in public.
 
 The clapping was conceived by youth and word of that tactic spread thru Twitter, LiveJournal, Facebook, etc, before those services began to be shut down.
 
 
 You are also seeing thousands of camera carrying "journalists" and perhaps wondering why and how so many members of the media could be in Belarus. Here is what is happening--as most of the professional journalists have been arrested, and the free ones are likely employed by government media, you are seeing a literal flood of "citizen journalists" who are stepping in the gap to show the world what is happening in their country. 
 
 If you see a journalist in green that is usually Russia Today or RTV from Moscow and via online streaming I'm seeing quite a few RIA (from Moscow) journalists alongside the citizen journalists. There is one scene where the Spetznaz goons collared a cameraman in green and then let him go, while rounding up other camera operators, cause they've obviously realized that he is Russian.
 
 Last week Lukashenko had communicated to Moscow that Russian journalists would be arrested and treated like any others--Medvedev promptly communicated back that if Belarus hopes to ever see that $3 Billion loan then Luka's goons had better keep their hands of the Russian media personnel.

(photo: Antona Motolko)

[mendeleyev]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gpc4mbmG_0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[Muzh]

Mendy,


If only there was a unified and ORGANIZED opposition, they might have a chance against the KGB. I don't see that happening.

[mendeleyev]

Muzh, and with most of the opposition under some sort of arrest or in the hospital recovering from a previous arrest, it is truly amazing that this level of protest continues. That is a testament to the level of frustration felt by everyday citizens and at some point, sooner than later, this regime will fall.

[Muzh]

Muzh, and with most of the opposition under some sort of arrest or in the hospital recovering from a previous arrest, it is truly amazing that this level of protest continues. That is a testament to the level of frustration felt by everyday citizens and at some point, sooner than later, this regime will fall.

Only a lone wolf will make that happen.

[mendeleyev]

I think that Dmitry Medvedev will play, likely behind the scenes, a substantial role in the outcome. His patience with Luka is wearing awfully thin.

[mendeleyev]

Yesterday the dictator of Belarus declared that citizens walking the streets and clapping as a form of protest was part of a plot to overthrow his government.

Noooo, say it isn't true Luka! Shocking.


In the photo below (from bymedia.by) jailed freedom protesters use a homemade slingshot to send notes to family members who have been denied access to the prisoners.

[Muzh]

I was informed that a one and a half yo infant who was clapping at her grandfather was taken from him and into custody. This is no joke.

[mendeleyev]

Correct.

As were several elderly citizens.

[Rubicon]

I think that Dmitry Medvedev will play, likely behind the scenes, a substantial role in the outcome. His patience with Luka is wearing awfully thin.

 

[mendeleyev]

From today's Mendeleyev Journal:





Andrei Sannikov, a recent Belarussian presidential candidate just last December, has been sentenced to a penal colony according to sources inside Belarus.  His wife, Irina Khalip, was informed of this latest news on Monday (18 July) after her meeting with the Interior Ministry.

 
Sannikov, who was leader of European Belarus campaign, is scheduled to be sent to Navapolatsk, a penal colony in Belarus on July 25.

 
Human rights groups have reported that Mr. Sannikov is suffering from poor health in his unvented cell and have pleaded with authorities to provide air conditioning or ventilation but Belarus cannot afford the electricity to provide proper air venting in many prisons across the country and those requests have gone unheeded.
 
“The conditions are difficult for him. He seldom goes for a walk, because the only opportunity to stay alone or almost alone to write a letter is to refuse from walks. It’s very stuffy in the cell. It turns into a real gas chamber when electricity is cut off and fans do not work. His chronic diseases aggravated. He suffers from gastritis and gout,” his wife reported.


Belarus continues to be run by a violent and deranged dictator who rules by fear. His KGB enjoys employing Gestapo type methods against citizens.



Mrs. Khalip said that her husband has been told about the silent protests each Wednesday and he supports their efforts.

[Muzh]

R I P

[mendeleyev]

From the Mendeleyev Journal:


As of yesterday , 5 October, it became officially against the law to clap in public in Belarus or to congregate in groups anywhere in public.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AvTaU2pXGw[/youtube]

In parliament one representative went to far as to suggest that protestors be responsible for erecting fences around themselves, thereby assuring that no innocent bystanders be mistakenly arrested; and to make it easier for police and KGB to round up those "law breaking" clappers.

[brian131]

I just read this whole thread.  Very sad news indeed. I had no idea of what was going on there.  I will certainly write my congressmen about this, although I fear that is of little use.  My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Belarus.

[mendeleyev]

Today in the Mendeleyev Journal:


Dictatorship is not a pretty thing. In Belarus it is especially ugly and yesterday the government of Aleksandr Lukashenko granted sweeping powers for the KGB to more easily arrest citizens, enter homes and businesses, and use more violent means against protestors.

Regular street police, the "Militsiya" have powers to beat citizens as well. (photo: Toxaby LJ)

Part of the new law reads (translated), An officer of a state security body does not bear responsibility for injuries and damage caused by use of physical force, special and military equipment, use of weapons in the cases covered by this Law or by other legal acts, when he acted in the conditions of substantiated professional risk…

And when can state security officers use violence? During arrests and taking to state security agencies suspects against who show defiance or insubordination, as well as persons detained on an immediate suspicion for committing a crime, persons in custody when they show defiance or insubordination or there are reasons to believe that they could escape or do damage to people around them or themselves; termination of mass disorder and group violations of public order or actions aimed at damaging and (or) destruction of property.

And how about additional justifications not spelled out in this law? A representative of state security agencies has a right to use weapons, including firearms, and for the use of firearms also in cases determined by the President of Belarus.

For the past several months the citizens of Belarus have been conducting "silent protests" by walking the streets and simply clapping hands while saying nothing. Last month the dictator made it a crime to clap hands in public and to do so means a certain prison sentence.

As of this week the only place where citizens still clap hands as a sign of silent (and non-violent) protest each Wednesday is the city of Gomel. Away from the capital, Minsk, the people of Gomel have continued their Wednesday clapping but that too may be subject to heightened crackdowns by KGB and police.

The Belarussian human rights organization Chapter 97 says that Vital Pratasevich, an active participant of “Revolution by social network” group was brutally beaten in Gomel. Pratasevich was returning from work when he was attacked by a group of unknown men after exiting a Gomel trolleybus.

The men wore face and head masks but ran him down in a public park and then proceeded to beat him in the head and abdomen areas, splitting his eyebrows and leaving him with head wounds and bruised. Mr. Pratasevich had received threats from state security officers after the latest protests actions in Gomel.



(Belarus KGB thugs hide from their victims.)

Previous presidential candidates Andrei Sannikov and Mikalai Statkevich, oppositional leaders Zmitser Bandarenka and Zmitser Dashkevich, human rights activists Ales Byalyatski, and businessman Mikalai Autukhovich, all peaceful opposition activists, remain imprisoned. Other participants of the peaceful December 2010 rallies sentenced to a term in a penal colonies are serving jail terms as well.

Opposition groups have called for a nationwide rally for solidarity with Belarussian political prisoners at 1900 hours (7pm) Minsk time on Friday, 21 October.