Belarus: 100,000 citizens participated in the day of solidarity on October 16

Source: solidarity16.org

More than 100,000 citizens of Belarus have taken part in the Day of Solidarity on October 16. At 8 pm, in dark windows candles, were lit with the hope for a free and democratic future. Representatives of the civil society of Belarus proposed to continue organising of Days of Solidarity on the 16th of each month.

“According to our estimation, more than 100,000 people have taken part in the action, and about 500,000 have been informed about it. It is very good for a start,” told a well-known Belarusian journalist Iryna Khalip at a press conference in Minsk. She called upon people repeat the experience and to turn off the lights and light Candles of freedom at 8 pm on November 16.

“We need just to turn off the lights in our flats. This is a real act of solidarity and it is not connected with danger. If a person would do it today, in month or two he would be ready to go and protest in the street,” said Iryna Khalip.

“Today as never before we must show solidarity with each other. Time of idle talk is gone. We will continue our struggle and we call to solidarity everybody who cares about Belarus”, said one of Zubr coordinators, Nikita Sasim.

Nikita Sasim reminded that November 16 is the day of Holy Mother of Ostra Brama. By Catholics, Orthodox and Uniats, she is considered to be a patron of Belarus.

The day of solidarity with Belarusian political prisoners, disappeared oppositionists, their families, independent journalists, with all who struggle for freedom and democracy, was supported in many countries of the world.

“We all lit candle of freedom yesterday. It was a good time to remember everybody who is not with us today, to remember everybody who is fighting for freedom and democracy in Belarus. Good time to think about [the] future of our country,” Irina Krasouskaya said, commenting on the Day of Solidarity action.