Roman Bessmertnyi: Lukashenka On The Loose Again

Belarus remains an island of lawlessness, the former Ukrainian Ambassador to Belarus believes.

Roman Bessmertnyi, the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Belarus, commented on the arrests of opposition leaders on the eve of the celebration of the BPR's 100th anniversary.

"Lukashenka is on the loose again. Writer and poet Uladzimir Niakliaeu, the author of more than 500 songs on which we grew up, including Lukashenka, was arrested today in Minsk once again. The court resolved to detain him for 10 days in connection with the "violation of the order of organization of mass events." The basis for the accusation was an article on the Charter'97 website (editor-in-chief Natallia Radzina), in which the opposition politician called for participation in the rally in honor of the BPR's 100th anniversary.

Today I recalled 2010, when more than 600 people were arrested on the day of the presidential election. Among them was the then presidential candidate Niakliaeu. He was taken on the way to the protest, and there was "evidence" with him in the car - a poster.

Being an ambassador I met with Mr. Niakliaeu several times. He is an intelligent intellectual. Belarus remains an island of lawlessness for those who allow themselves to speak Belarusian, respect their history, be a patriot of their native land, " - Bessmertnyi wrote on his Facebook page.

Important to note, on Wednesday in Minsk, members of the organizing committee for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the BPR were detained: Viachaslau Siuchyk, Maxim Viniarski and Uladzimir Niakliaeu.