Arresting Preachers and Architecture Fans

While releasing the high-ranking political prisoners the regime of Lukashenka is stepping up pressure on the low-profile groups, which are not necessarily political, but are highly critical of the system.

Павялічыць

Well, they may be not all that low-profile after all. Belarusian protestants are a significant force in the country. Antony Bokun, minister of the Baptist church of St. John the Precurser, was arrested yesterday during the communion in the building, rented by the Church in Minsk. This his second arrest – the fist one took place on May, 27. Mr. Bokun is detained in the notorious Akrestsina prison until the court hearing takes place. He is accused of organizing the “non-sanctioned gathering”.

The protestant church in Belarus is under fire for several reasons. One of them may be the pressure from the circles close to the Belarusian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church, which sees the protestants as their rivals. Another one is the fact that the protestant church has already shown its ability to self-organize people without any influence from the state. To the regime of Lukashenka this is highly irritating.

Another, perhaps, less numerous, but nevertheless active group consists of people, who are protesting against the recent wave of demolition in the historic centers of the Belarusian cities. The city officials are eager to strike deals with developers and businessman, who are just as eager to turn former monasteries into casinos. (more here)

Павялічыць

On June, 2 a group of young people protested against the so called “restoration” of the city centre in the Western Belarusian city of Hrodna (Grodno). They put up a banner reading “Protect your city!” on a bridge. 5 people were detained, and released shortly afterwards.

Павялічыць

Similarly, 10 people were arrested today while protesting in Hrodna against the demolition of the 17th century building. They were also released after a couple of hours.

Павялічыць

Photos by Arsen Pahomau

All this proves that the release of political prisoners is one big show for the Western audience. The Belarusian regime is not going to loosen its grip and represses even the smallest surges of critical activity. Probably in order to prevent it from growing big. For instance, the group trying to protect the former catholic church of St. Joseph in Minsk from the "restoration" has already gathered 20.000 signatures under their petition to president Lukashenka.

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