Belarus: Independence Day July 3; anti-government protests in Minsk

Event

The Republic of Belarus' Independence Day commemorations are scheduled to take place on Monday, July 3, which is a national public holiday. An anti-government demonstration has been scheduled to coincide with Independence Day celebrations in Minsk. The protest is scheduled to begin at October Square at 14:00 (local time), ending in the early evening.The number of prospective participants is unknown. 

Security is likely to be tight in the capital and major cities, and localized transportation disruptions are possible in the vicinity of celebration parades or protests.

Context

Several opposition protests held in Belarus over recent months have ended with the arrests of opposition leaders and activists.On May 1, an opposition protest drew 400 demonstrators, despite having been banned by the government.

Independence Day is a public holiday in Belarus, and commemorates the country's liberation from Nazi occupation during the Second World War. 

Advice

Individuals in Minsk are advised to avoid any demonstrations and to keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets.