Belarusian opposition adds political demands to socio-economic discontent of population

The opposition started inviting to the Freedom Day March before the authorities’ approval. Political parties anticipate mobilizing not only activists, but ordinary citizens to participate in the traditional Freedom Day celebrations with political and socio-economic slogans. Apparently, the march organised by the opposition could attract more people than in previous years, including many participants from the regions. Meanwhile, the law enforcement has already locked in some opposition organisers from the centre-right coalition and could use pre-emptive detentions against regional activists. By arresting leaders of the centre-right coalition, the authorities have created a gap in the Belarusian opposition between the supporters of negotiations with the authorities (“Tell the Truth”) and the leaders of the Belarusian National Congress, who advocate for street pressure on the Belarusian leadership. In the case former political prisoner Statkevich leads the protest rally on March 25, the march would be more politicised and conflicts between the protesters and the police could arise, leading to the use of force by the latter.