Aleh Vouchak: “Belarusians’ desire for changes is great”

• 18.10.2010, 12:23

A well-known human rights activist and a former worker of prosecutor’s office was collecting signatures for Andrei Sannikov in Fanipal and Dzyarzhynsk.

The head of the human rights centre “Legal Assistance to Population” Aleh Vouchak placed pickets for collection of signatures for nomination of Andrei Sannikov, “European Belarus” civil campaign leader, as a presidential candidate, in the busiest spots of the towns, near central market places.

“People in the regions certainly differ from Minsk dwellers. Here people are more intimidated by the executive authorities, as they are forbidden to give signatures for alternative candidates for presidency. However, many people know Andrei Sannikov. Businessmen, people who work in Poland and Russia, were giving signatures actively. They do not fear their superior ones. And what is the most important thing, senior citizens were signing actively. They have started to realize that not the pensions they are receiving as a pacifier from the regime now are important, but the quality of living. I explained everyone: join Sannikov’s team, spread alternative information.

One more important thing is that many people recognized me, as they saw the films “Godbatka”, and I participated in the 3rd and 4th parts. It shows that the authorities close Russian TV channels, but people still learn information from the web. Children, grandchildren bring them these films.

I felt clearly in these trips that everyone wants changes. There is a great desire of changes. While 5 years ago people looked at us, oppositionists, with fear, now they are looking at us with hope,” Aleh Vouchak said to charter97.org website.