Activists from the Chilean Anti-Capitalist Movement and the Chilean section of the International Socialist League (LIS) joined the international campaign "Trade union activity is not extremism!".
Since there is no diplomatic representation of Belarus in Chile, the Belarusian consul in Argentina deals with Chilean affairs. It is for this reason that the Anticapitalist Movement and the Chilean section of the International Socialist League sent signatures by e-mail to the Belarusian Consul in Buenos Aires and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile.
In their appeal, they call for the release of workers imprisoned by various trade union and human rights organisations and expressed solidarity in a video message.
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, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Spain and France. 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.