Opposition steps up struggle for political course

The organising committee of the Freedom Day celebration has failed to agree with Belarusian National Congress leader Nikolai Statkevich the rally format on March 25^th, 2017. The opposition has stepped up struggle for leadership in fighting against decree No 3. Major rivals include the BNC initiators led by Statkevich and leaders of other opposition parties (UCP, BPF, BCD, For Freedom, Tell the Truth), who disagree about the tasks and responsibilities in the fight against the decree. Due to the lack of unified position among the opposition a week before the event, preparations for the rally unfold amid a negative information background, while the authorities step up repressions against the organisers and potential participants. All this may have a negative impact on the overall participation in the rally. In addition, the lack of clear agreements between opposition alliances could lead to unpredictable actions by protesters during the rally and a tough response by the law enforcement.