Political prisoner Lobaw became a co-chair of Malady Front

The youth organization will have four co-chair.

Former political prisoner Zmitser Dashkevich remained at the helm of Malady Front as a result of Saturday’s convention of the opposition youth group, despite announcing earlier his plans to quit the organization.

The delegates to the convention voted to replace the post of chairperson with four co-chairpersons, and Mr. Dashkevich, 32, who had chaired the group until the convention, was elected one of them. Eduard Lobaw, who is currently held in prison on what is widely viewed as a politically motivated charge, and Andrey Tsyanyuta were elected two other co-chairmen. The fourth position is expected to be filled as a result of another convention that Malady Front plans to hold before the end of this year.

Speaking about why he had changed his mind and remained a leading member of Malady Front, Mr. Dashkevich pointed to infighting in the organization. At the same time, he said, Malady Front members have no strategic differences. “Well, they didn’t sort something out, had some disagreements. I believe it will benefit democracy within the organization,” he said.

Mr.Dashkevich promised to do his “utmost” to revive the organization. “I will tour entire Belarus despite any bans, I will hold events despite any preventive supervision rules,” he said.

Mr. Dashkevich is under "preventive police supervision" after the completion of his prison term and release on August 28. The supervision term will expire in late February.