On Monday, 24 July, a delegation of French activists of the International Socialist League (LIS) arrived at the embassy of the Republic of Belarus in Paris to hand over more than six thousand signatures of solidarity collected within the framework of the campaign "Trade union activity – not extremism".
Lukashenko's representatives ignored the delegation's calls, and in response the MSL activists decided to leave the signatures in the diplomatic mailbox of the Belarusian Embassy.
More than 6,500 activists from different countries expressed their support for the campaign. Solidarity actions took place in various countries including Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, USA, FRG, Italy, Brazil and Spain. Activists of the international labour movement seek to draw the world's attention to the difficult situation in Belarus and make every effort to stop political persecution and repression.
In the last years of Lukashenko's rule in Belarus, there has been a systematic repression of dissent and activists of any form of activity. The situation in Belarus has become particularly deplorable since the beginning of the Russian military aggression in Ukraine. Lukashenko's authorities persecute anyone who opposes the war or criticises their actions. As a result of this policy, 1,500 political prisoners, including 44 trade union activists and leaders of democratic trade unions, are in Belarusian prisons and camps.
The world community and trade unions from all over the world react to these acts of lawlessness. In early June, the International Labour Conference adopted a resolution condemning the actions of the government of Belarus. Members of the International Labour Organization (ILO) call on all governments to reconsider their relations with Lukashenka's regime and take measures to stop human rights violations.