BNC Activist: We Must Not Back Down

Any situation can be changed radically.

Activist of the Belarusian National Congress Grettha Sabaleuskaya told this to the press-center of the BNC.

The activist believes that the mass protests have become the most significant events of the outgoing year:

“In a state where any civil initiative not only does not cause approval, but gets suppressed, every protest held is considered significant. Those actions, which were organized this year, united absolutely different people, helped them to understand that to take on to the Square and defend their interests was the right and necessary act, that personal is political. Workers and students began to come out to the streets — that’s a good sign! No positive changes in the country can take place without their direct participation. The events of this year can really serve as a good springboard for the events of the coming one.

Perhaps many have already heard that the BNC has been conducting a survey for about a month, the main purpose of which was to find out whether Belarusians want changes in the country. I personally asked these questions to passers-by and repeatedly heard in response: “Yes — and we are ready to act!” Belarusians are ripe for change. And this, in my opinion, is the best result that could be achieved, “— Grettha Sabaleuskaya told.

The main task for the next year, according to the activist, is “a decent and large-scale organization of the Freedom Day.”

“It is necessary that it would be not worse than the marches of this year, and even better, in terms of mass and general enthusiasm. We must not back down. As another important task I consider working with the population. It is necessary to conduct polls, work in the regions, in every possible way to inform people about the present state of affairs. The upcoming year will be full of challenging but interesting work. Freedom is worthy of fighting for it," — said the activist.

She also wished the Belarusians new authorities in the new year.

“The first thing I want to wish Belarusians is inexhaustible personal reserves, strength of mind and a desire for change. Until people care about their freedom, those who want to tyrannize them will do so, because tyrants are active and enterprising. But any situation can be changed radically,” — Grettha Sabaleuskaya said.