Today, July 4, a delegation of activists, including trade unionists, economists and artists, delivered signatures to the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Belarus in Barcelona. The action is part of the international campaign "Trade union activity – not extremism!", which calls for the release of trade union political prisoners in Belarus and to oppose the systematic repression by the Lukashenko government.
Lists with 6,500 signatures from around the world were handed in by Alfons Bech Peiró and Abel activists of CC.OO., one of the largest trade union associations in Spain. Dick Nichols (Sindicat de Periodistes de Catalunya), Rubén Tzanoff (SOL-Liga Internacional Socialista -LIS), as well as artist Arnaldo Ballester and economist Santiago De Alegría.
Actions have taken place in Lithuania, Brazil, Poland, Sweden, USA, Germany and Italy. Trade union activists from other countries have also expressed their intention to join the campaign in the near future. They strive to attract international public attention to the situation in Belarus and do everything possible to stop political persecution.
The last years of Lukashenko's rule in Belarus are marked by systematic repressions against dissent and manifestations of any form of activism.
The situation in Belarus has become deplorable since the beginning of Russia's military aggression in Ukraine. Lukashenko's authorities persecute anyone who speaks out against the war or criticizes their actions. As a result, 1502 political prisoners, including 44 trade union activists and leaders of democratic trade unions, are in Belarusian prisons and camps.
The international public and trade unions around the world are reacting to these acts of lawlessness. In early June, the International Labor Conference adopted a resolution condemning the actions of the Belarusian government. Members of the International Labor Organization (ILO) urge all governments to reconsider their relations with the Lukashenko regime and take measures to stop human rights abuses.