BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

10/01/2008

Protesters barred from Lukashenko's residence

MINSK, January 10 (Itar-Tass) - Belarussian private entrepreneurs are marching to the government building in central Minsk, accompanied by crack police units. Some time ago, crack police prevented entrepreneurs from approaching the residence of the Belarussian president.

Representatives of small and medium-size business protest against the decree, which allows them to hire employees only from their families or close relatives. The number of employees working for private entrepreneurs is restricted to three. Otherwise they will have to register a private unitary enterprise.

They are chanting "Freedom to detained activists!" and "We demand adequate working conditions!"

An unsanctioned march goes along the main avenue of Minsk - Independence Avenue. Up to 2,000 people take part in it. Law enforcement officers use loudspeakers to warn them that their rally is unlawful and that force can be used against them.

Representatives of the Belarussian opposition have joined the protest march. The leader of the United Civil Party, Anatoly Lebedko, is among them.

Exactly one month ago, Belarus private entrepreneurs staged the first action of protest, trying to find a compromise with the authorities. However, they failed to do that. From January 1, 2008, a general strike of entrepreneurs has continued in the country.

Source:

http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=12243337&PageNum=0