1999 press releases

Government Attacks Peaceful March (October 18, 1999)

Violent suppression by Belarusian authorities of the opposition-organized "Freedom March" in Minsk on October 17 represents another violation by Belarus of its OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] commitments and is a further demonstration of the constitutional and political crisis that exists in that country.

Drawing over 20,000 Belarusians of all ages, the march was the largest demonstration seen in Minsk in more than three years. Violence erupted when a contingent of about 5,000 demonstrators tried peacefully to enter central Minsk. Dozens of people were beaten and arrested by Belarusian police, and there are reports of revenge beatings by security forces of some of these who were held overnight.

The United States Government calls on Belarus to respect its international obligations and to investigate the behavior of its security forces yesterday and last night. We also urge the immediate release of political detainees, including opposition leader Nikolai Statkevich and journalist Maksim Malinovsky, who were arrested yesterday. The U.S. remains concerned about other recent disappearances and the continued suppression of independent media.