Authorities oppose to Maidan scenario’s promotion in Belarus by opposition

Rudensk village resident Vladimir Kondrus has been detained in Minsk and put under arrest onmass disorder on December 19^th, 2010 charges. Independent analysts have marked a change in socio-political atmosphere in recent months against the backdrop of Minsk’s attempts to normalize relations with European capitals, relaxed pressure on the opposition, and lowered impact of events in Ukraine on public opinion in Belarus. Positive expectations in politics have gained momentum after years of apathy in Belarusian society in the aftermath of harsh suppression of the protest on December 19^th, 2010, post-election repression against the opposition, the bloody events on the Maidan, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Simultaneously, some opposition members, supporters of street actions, have also resumed confrontation rhetoric and urged to organise street protests in the ‘Square’. The delayed prosecution of Kondrus by the authorities is likely to restrict the growth of street protest activity among the opposition.