Protests against Decree No 3 take place in four Belarusian cities

The protest actions “Non-freeloaders’ March” were held on Sunday, February 26, in four Belarusian cities. Most people attended the action in Vitsebsk - about 2 thousands. There were no organizers – people just acme to Victory Square were the official authorities were celebrating Shrovetide, Radio Liberty reports. The protesters decided not to be in the way and headed for Lenin Square. The action participants were shouting out the mottoes ‘No to decree #3’, “Lukashenka, leave!” and “Long Live, Belarus”. White-red-white flags could be seen over the column.

More than 1500 people came to the central square of Babruisk. Vital Rymasheuski, one of the leaders of the Belarusian Christian Democracy Party, made a speech there, Nasha Niva reports.

About 300 people protest in Baranavichy Lenin Square. United Civil Party leader Anatol Lyabedzka joined their action.  

The decree ‘On Prevention of Freeloading’ was adopted in April 2015 and is known as ‘the freeloaders’ tax’. All able-bodied Belarusians who do not work officially or at least 183 days a year must pay a tax. The tax inspectorate sent letters informing about the tax to those who are considered to be ‘freeloaders’ at the end of 2016. The decree has caused protests in Minsk – a protest action was held in the capital. Similar actions were held in all the regional centres on February 19.

All the actions were not allowed by local authorities.