“Young Front” held rally of solidarity in front of House on Government in Minsk (Photo)

• 17.03.2009, 9:27

About 30 youth activists came to Independence square in Minsk demanding to release political prisoners and protesting against political draft for military service.

Officers of the Leninski district militia department and riot militiamen run up to them, but didn’t detain anybody, Radio Svaboda reports.

The young people carried a big banner “No to political draft!!!” By these actions they express their negative attitude towards forceful recruiting of youth activists Franak Vyachorka, Zmitser Khvedaruk, and Ivan Shyla.

Another aim of the rally is demand to release political prisoners. The youth was chanting “Freedom!” and holding in hands portraits of Mikalai Autukhovich, Yury Lyavonau, Uladzimir Asipenka, and Artsyom Dubski, who will stand trial for violation of rules of serving punishment on the Case of 14, a criminal case instigated after last year’s peaceful demonstrations of entrepreneurs.

The action lasted for 20 minutes, then the participants went away.