Actions of Solidarity with Belarus Held in Estonia

In Estonia a number of events were staged in support of the democratic forces of Belarus. In the city Pärnu of a public action was held. Candles and informational materials about the Day of Solidarity with Belarus were handed out.

Human rights are violated in Belarus. By the protest organizers wanted to demonstrate support to those citizens who want to see their country free and democratic. Participants of the action believe that people living in the last dictatorship of Europe have a right for freedom of expression and human rights.

The initiative to hold the solidarity action and creation of the special internet source belongs to Estonian observers, representatives of public associations, who visited Belarus during the presidential elections. They were joined by youth organizations of the parties represented in the parliament.

The Day of Solidarity in Belarus is held on the 16th day of every month. Belarusians switch off the light and light candles for 15 minutes. They do so in remembrance of Belarusian politicians vanished and assassinated in the period of Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s rule, and of those who fight for their right for freedom. Meetings and demonstrations are held on this day. People in many parts of the world take part in this protest.

A photo exhibition was set up in the center of Pärnu. It showed the developments during the presidential elections in Belarus. Modern Belarusian music was playing. Volunteers distributed candles, badges “For Free Belarus” and informational materials about the Day of Solidarity to passers-by.

Representatives of the contact group of the civil association in support of Belarus Krister Paris, Silver Meikar and Evgenij Krishtafovich, and the coordinator of the oppositional organization from Belarus “Tretij Put’” (Third Way) Pavel Marozau were present
there.

On behalf of citizens of Pärnu participants were greeted by Pärnu Modern Art museum’s director Mark Soosaar.

The celebration of the Solidarity day continued on June 19 in Tallinn. On the initiative of the Open Estonia Foundation a round table was held. The situation in Belarus was discussed there. Prominent politicians, including the Rapporteur on Belarus in PACE, Estonian MP Andres Herkel, journalists and leaders of public associations, have taken part in the round table.

20/06/2006