Belarus: Activists to stage protest marches, vehicular go-slow actions nationwide Dec. 20

Event

Supporters of opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other anti-government activists plan to stage mass marches in cities across Belarus Dec. 20. Dubbed the "March of the People's Tribunal," the event will begin at 1200 and is the latest in an ongoing series of major demonstrations protesting the outcome of the nation's August presidential election.

The largest and most disruptive of the gatherings will almost certainly take place in Minsk where tens of thousands of activists have regularly been attending the demonstrations. Protest locations in Minsk include the Minsk-Hero City Obelisk, Independence Square, Freedom Square, and Victors Avenue. A heavy police presence and roadblocks are often deployed in these areas as security forces attempt to prevent protesters from gathering. Disruptive gatherings of various sizes have also been taking place in other urban centers nationwide, including Brest, Gomel, Hrodna, Lida, and Vitebsk, as well as in smaller towns.

Additionally, the administrators of Voditeli-97, a popular social media channel used by anti-government activists to organize and coordinate acts of civil unrest, have planned a nationwide vehicular go-slow protest to take place simultaneously with the March of the People's Tribunal. The purpose of the Voditeli-97 action is to protest a new vehicle tax that is proposed to go into effect on Jan. 1. Organizers are encouraging participants to drive no faster than 30 kph (19 mph) and engage in a number of disruptive behaviors, including deliberately blocking roads and highway ramps with their vehicles.

Authorities have deployed significant numbers of security personnel in Minsk and other major cities in response to the continuing wave of protests. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt transport disruptions near protest locations. Riot police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, flash grenades, and warning shots using live rounds to disperse demonstrators at previous actions. Mass arrests and clashes are likely at protests; reports suggest security forces may deliberately target journalists and bystanders.

Advice

Avoid all rallies due to the potential for violence. Heed instructions of security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in major Belarusian cities. Do not display any sign of political affiliation and be discreet when discussing the regime, including on social media. Do not take photographs of protests, members of the security forces, or military traffic.