—The Denim Revolution—
SUPPORT FREEDOM IN BELARUS!
March 16, 2006
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
At Embassy of Belarus, 18th & New Hampshire, Washington, DC

Why Your Help is Required:

• Europe’s —last dictatorship— is facing presidential elections on March 19
• Results of election likely to be falsified, as has happened previously
• Ignorance to what is happening strengthens the dictator and harms the world

For the Last 12 Years in Belarus:

• Politicians seeking democracy and freedom have been kidnapped and killed
• The list of permanent political prisoners grows each day
• Dictator calls his opponents —bastards— on TV, while arresting youth activists for plotting a —coup— against the government
• Opposition candidate beaten and arrested, his cameraman shot at

Demonstration Location:

Across from the Belarusian Embassy
1619 New Hampshire Ave NW, (Near 18th & New Hampshire), Washington, DC 20009
Metro: Dupont Circle, Red Line, Q St. Exit

You are invited to attend a demonstration of solidarity with the democratic movement in Belarus to show the Belarusian dictator that the world is not indifferent to the destruction of life and liberty.

We welcome all diversity of backgrounds, colors, religions, opinions, and ideassome of the very things that Belarus and its people have been deprived of during the 12 years of Alexander Lukashenko’s rule.

What is Belarus?

Belarus is a former republic of the Soviet Union, located north of Ukraine and to the west of Russia. It has been ruled by Alexander Lukashenko since 1994, who is currently seeking an illegal third term in office with plans to stay in power indefinitely.

What is the Occasion?

Belarus will have its next presidential “elections” on March 19th, 2006. March 16th was chosen as a —Day of Solidarity with Belarus— to remember all those who are oppressed in Belarus on the behalf of democracy and freedom and it is vital that this event continue ahead of the elections.

Why Should I Come?

Significant amounts of people demonstrating in Washington, DC, will show the Belarusian people that the world supports to their right to choose another president on election day, and that freedom and democracy are the right of all peoples, not dictatorship and fear. Like the people of Ukraine, Belarusians will come out onto the streets to peacefully show their disagreement with rigged results and you can join with them in support.

Who Will Win the Presidential Elections?

The “elections” are expected to be officially won by Mr. Lukashenko by over 70%, and he has already stated his victory. This situation has happened many times before, including during the last presidential “elections” in 2001, parliamentary elections, referendums, and other votes which have all been in his favor. Alyaksandar Milinkevich is a united opposition candidate, and has been campaigning despite the numerous obstacles forced upon him. Another independent candidate, Alyaksandr Kazulin, is also running.

Will the Presidential Elections be Fair in Belarus?

No. During the current campaign, one of the opposition candidates was beaten up and detained for 8 hours. Police are arresting campaign volunteers and do not allow peaceful gatherings. Belarus has no independent media and students are threatened and expelled for expressing disagreement with the current government, for attending gatherings, or for supporting the opposition campaigns. It is already expected that Alexander Lukashenko will be announced the —winner— having gathered at least 70% of the vote.

You can make a real difference by showing solidarity – by showing up!

What to bring: You can bring a cowbell (Belarus’ dictator was once the head of a collective farm), or any other fun musical instruments. To pass the time, a few skits will be performed.

More information on Belarus and the upcoming elections can be found at: Charter 97