Civil society and opposition divide over military parade in Minsk

An internet petition has been launched against holding military parades in Minsk and for holding them outside the city. The preparations for the military parade in Minsk have raised a lively discussion in Belarusian society, social networks, independent and state media. In the Belarusian civil society exist diametrically opposed views on the militarized event: from open supporters (the BPF party) to harsh critics (Tell the Truth). Apparently, there is no unequivocal predominance of either party in society, however, opponents of holding parades with heavy military equipment in the centre of Minsk are a lot more active: they managed to collect over 8000 signatures for the petition against such parades. Nevertheless, despite the public debate, the state is unlikely to give up on large-scale militarised events, which are among major components of ideological indoctrination of the population and ensure the loyalty of the power block.