BELARUS NOT TO BE WRITTEN OFF.

The Belarusian police announced yesterday that it intends to prosecute more than 100 of the 204 protesters arrested April 26 during the 50,000-strong demonstration in Minsk for national independence. Those detained face heavy fines or arrest for up to 15 days under an accelerated administrative procedure. In addition, the authorities have instituted criminal proceedings against several leaders of the Belarus Popular Front, which had called the demonstration. Organizers said yesterday that busloads of supporters from the provinces were blocked at the entrances to Minsk by the police. It was the third mass demonstration in the space of four weeks in favor of national independence and against President Aleksandr Lukashenko’s policies. The Popular Front has called another rally on May Day. (Interfax, Western agencies, April 28 & 29)

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