19A: Day of Action for union and democratic rights in Belarus
“Salidarnast”, Association of Belarusian workers exiled in Germany, continues to publicize the persecution of the union and political opposition carried out by Lukashenko and his dictatorial regime. From the International Socialist League (LIS) We reproduce some of their complaints and we express our solidarity with the ongoing campaign.
“Salidarnast” declared extremist
From 28 of March, The Minsk Central District Court has decided to add the statements and logos of“Salidarnast” to the “National List of Extremist Materials”. This was announced on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus. Lukashenko and the KGB consider all those who are not “loyal” to them extremists, which includes opposition politicians, labor unionists, democratic activists and personalities. The persecution is so Stalinist that for security, The Association has suggested its followers in Belarus read its materials without subscribing, without putting “Like”, without commenting on the content of his notes and, Besides, use a VPN connection.
BELAVIA fires for political reasons
In 2021 Belavia airline began laying off pilots, flight attendants and maintenance staff for political reasons, some of them were imprisoned, with the protest of the Union. The antidemocratic actions became massive after 2022/23 under the “crime” of having participated in protests and was executed by a representative of the KGB. Some of the best commanders were also fired, which lowered the quality of service and their security rating.. The workers had the will to strike, but the repression prevented them from achieving it.
Hard-working and supportive women
On the occasion of 8 of March, International Day of Working Women, Lizaveta Merliak, “Salidarnast” leader called on Belarusian women to support each other in a world“full of injustice, inequality and violence, basis of dictatorships in which“Belarus is no exception: it is about a “firm” hand, police and security forces, punitive troops, a pre-war situation, arbitrary arrests, coercion and intimidation in the workplace.
Repressors and exploiters
Doctors and activists from the Independent Health Workers Union shared complaints about the“extra work project” from the Government for students of medical universities, within the framework of the “Medicus” project. From July 1st to 26 of August, students will work as nurses, internships as doctors are welcomed, but this is not the case since they will act as nurses and with low pay. As a result, The students will be used to cover the lack of personnel caused by poor working conditions and insufficient pay..
Criminal charges against Leanid Sudalenka
in absence, A criminal case has been opened against Leanid Sudalenka, former political prisoner and now legal officer of “Salidarnast”. This was announced by 4 March 2024 the Investigative Committee of Belarus on its Telegram channel“Special procedures. Official Information”. He is charged under article 361-4 of the Belarusian Penal Code (aid extremist activities). As comrade Sudalenka said: “I have no doubt that in this way the Belarusian secret services are trying to make sure that I keep my mouth shut.”, because after my liberation I did not give up and I never remained silent. I spoke publicly in the European Parliament as a witness to torture in Belarusian prisons. I publicly exposed the conditions faced by political prisoners imprisoned in Belarus, speaking to various media outlets in France, Poland, Germany, Finland and not only there. “There was not a single independent media outlet with which I would refuse to talk about the three years in prison I had to spend.”.
19 April, Day of Action for Trade Union Rights and Democracy in Belarus
The Day will be held to demand the release of imprisoned Belarusian union leaders, expressing that“Unionism is not extremism”. The awareness campaign that also promotesIndustriALL Global Union and that it will have a virtual meeting, demands that the Belarusian authorities immediately and unconditionally drop all charges related to participation in peaceful protests and strikes, release the arrested unionists, to human rights defenders and political prisoners. That they put an end to the repression of unions and independent individuals and respect their rights. From theLIS we continuesolidarity and we call to strengthen the campaign by sending letters to the Republic of Belarus for the release of the union leaders, including the president of the Congress of Democratic Trade Unions of Belarus (BKDP), Maksim Pazniakou and ITUC Vice-President and member of the ILO Governing Body, Aliaksandr Yarashuk. Also organizing actions in the consulates or embassies of Belarus, recording solidarity messages and sharing them on social networks and channels.
