Belarusian opposition holds procession on forefathers' commemoration day
MINSK. Nov 2 (Interfax) - On Sunday the Belarusian opposition is conducting a procession and rally in Minsk on Dziady, the day when Belarusians commemorate their deceased forefathers.
Belarusian Internet resources say that participants gathered in the morning in Independence Avenue outside of the Minsk Watch Plant and headed for Kuropaty where the rally is due.
The procession involves opposition activists and clergymen. Many came with their families. They are carrying slogans and white-red-white flags.
Internet media say some of the participants also carry Ukrainian flags and chant slogans in support of Ukraine.
The procession is escorted by the police. Web reporters say many law enforcers are in plain clothes.
As at noon the action involved slightly over 200 people.
Earlier reports said the Minsk city council permitted the procession and rally. It allowed actions with attendance of up to 5,000 people and approved the route of the procession.
Kuropaty is a wooded area on the outskirts of Minsk where victims of Stalinist purges are buried. The number of executed is estimated between 30,000 and 100,000. Kuropaty has a territory of 15 hectares which is protected by the state. Each year in November, on Dziady the Belarusian opposition holds an action in Kuropaty.
