Hunger strike in parliament

Minsk

Three members of Belarus’ parliament went on a hunger strike this week to protest President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s proposal to amend the constitution so he can run for a third term. Uladzimir Parfyanovich, Syarhey Skrabets, and Valery Fralou are also demanding the release of a political ally who was arrested last week for unspecified reasons. “I think that what we are doing makes some sense,” Fralou said. “There was too much talk, so it was time for action.” Ambassadors from eight EU countries met with the protesters and said they had Europe’s support. Under Lukashenka, Belarus has become virtually a police state.

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