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The Tribunal for Putin (T4P) global initiative was set up in response to the all-out war launched by Russia against Ukraine in February 2022.

“My Father is dying for a flag. Why?”

07.04.2012    source: www.svaboda.org

Yelena Kavalenka and her seven-year-old son were joined on Friday by activists from “European Belarus”, in calling for the release of imprisoned opposition activist Siarhei Kavalenka. 

On Friday 24 February Siarhey Kavalenka was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month imprisonment – effectively for hoisting the prohibited Belarusian national flag on a New Year tree on the central square in Vitebsk.

In January 2010, Siarhei Kavalenka received a three-year “restricted freedom” sentence for hoisting the prohibited white, red and white flag, the historical symbol of Belarus “in a public place”. 

Mr Kavalenka has been on hunger strike most of the time he has been imprisoned and has become dangerously thin. His wife’s banner says “Freedom for Siarhey Kavalenka”, while his son, Valentin’s poster says: “My father is dying for a flag. Why?”

The protest action was brief with the police arriving within minutes and the participants dispersing. 

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