Activist From Vitsebsk: Everybody Now Should Go To Square And Say "No" To Integration

Alena Yanushkouskaya has explained why she made her choice.

There will be trials in Vitsebsk not only for protest rallies, but also for the calls to them.

Since January 15, trials of those protesting against "deep integration" and supporting the independence of Belarus at the rally, held on December 29 last year, have started in Vitsebsk, Radio Racyja reports.

However, Vitsebsk police officers have initiated administrative proceedings under Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code not only for participating, but also for calling to support advocates of the country's sovereignty.

Natallia Spirydonava, a Vitsebsk resident, has received the protocol drawn up for reposting the announcement of the rally on December 29 on her Facebook page.

She received the report by mail on January 14, and the trial, as it was written in the document, took place on the 9th. Natallia Spirydonava does not know if the trial actually took place. She hasn't received any papers from the court.

Vitsebsk activist and blogger Alena Yanushkouskaya has also received a similar protocol. She is also accused of "agitating citizens to join the rally in social networks". The blogger does not know the date of the trial for that, but she is convinced that she did everything right.

"Every man, every Belarusian must defend his country. And everyone should be at the Square saying "No!". I know a lot of people feel the same way as I do. But not all of them are willing to say it out loud, to fight for it. I don't want to bear it anymore," - Alena Yanushkouskaya said.

On January 21, Alena Yanushkouskaya will be tried for participating in the Vitsebsk rally in support of the state independence. Last week, she was fined twice for taking part in the protests in Minsk on December 20 and 21: two fines of 30 basic units (Br810) each.