March 4, 2006
Belarusians Want Freedom
Several thousand Belarusians came to the center of Hrodna (Horadnia) to a building of the Philharmonic Hall to meet the single candidate of democratic forces, Alyaksandr Milinkevich. Spirit of Freedom and hopes for quick changes was felt at the meeting. Even policemen shook hands with the single candidate and wished him victory.
People were not allowed to enter the Philharmonic Hall, though Milinkevich HQ had submitted a request for holding a meeting with voters. A concert dedicated to the Day of Police was held at that time in the Philharmonic Hall. Then Milinkevich said that he will hold the meeting with voters outside. In response dozens of policemen in uniform and in mufti arrived to the place near the Hall. They warned that an unsanctioned meeting is forbidden. Activists of Milinkevich's team were not allowed to install sound-amplifying equipment.
The single candidate said policemen's demands are illegal, referring to the Electoral Code, which allows candidates for presidency to meet with voters in any suitable place. At last, policemen retreated. The meeting was held.
The democratic candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich and his HQ representatives addressed the meeting. Then Milinkevich answered the questions of the city residents.
His speech was many times interrupted by applause. People were holding portraits of the candidate, chanting "Milinkevich!", "Long live Belarus!", "Freedom!" Many people were wearing blue and jeans ribbons.
The single candidate told the voters about his platform and thanked all who came to support him. He said: "We shall defend our votes. On March 19 in Minsk at 8 p.m. on October Square we shall sum up the results of the presidential race".
The meeting of people with their candidate disbanded peacefully. Some policemen shook Milinkevich's hand and wished him success.
Source: Charter'97 Press Center, March 4, 2006
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