Belarusian militia wants changes too

The initiative group of Ales Mikhalevich visited the so called militia tower block, where they met a surprisingly strong support.

“We were collecting signatures in a new city district and visited the block of flats where officers of Salihorsk militia department live with there families. To our surprise, a large number of people from this house signed for our candidate,” local activist Uladzimir Shyla said. “Some of them said the militia doesn’t take part in election. I asked if they would vote. The question puzzled them.”

Pavel Batueu, who was repeatedly detained by the local militia for participating in political actions in the recent years, confirmed the words of his colleague:

“I met many familiar militiamen in that house. I had certain stereotypes. I didn’t believe they would sign. Nevertheless the signature collecting process was absolutely normal. It was even better than in some other places,” the campaign Human Rights Activists for Free Elections quotes Batueu.