Hundreds of people gathered to defend church on Day of Solidarity

On May 16, on the Day of Belarusian Solidarity, young people gathered near the Bernardine monastery and St. Joseph’s Church in Minsk at 7 p.m. Young people have chosen this place for holding monthly solidarity action for the second time, because Minsk authorities don’t give up their intention to destroy the Catholic sanctuary which is a unique monument of history and architecture.

About 300 participants have taken part in the communal prayer for return of St. Joseph’s church to believers. Several dozens riot policemen observed the rally. A paddy wagon was standing beside. Young people were holding burning candles. Some of them were holding paper letters forming the words: “Return the church to believers”. A national Belarusian anthem “Mighty God” was sung. After that protesters placed candles near the entrance and disbanded.

Several dozens of special services men and riot policemen observed the rally. A big paddy wagon was standing nearby.

Before the action policemen detained three activists of youth democratic movement Nasta Shyshkova, Kasya Dzyadkouskaya and Alesya Kavaleuskaya. The girls were on their way to the action near the KGB building. Policemen found portraits of the abducted and candles by them. Alesya, Nasta and Kasya were taken to a police department of the Tsentralny district of Minsk, and then released without a report being drawn up.

After the action of solidarity finished, riot policemen detained 4 participants: Alena Dzyanina, Alina Kaltovich, Andrus Dashkevich and one more girl whose name is unknown. They were taken to a police department of the Tsentralny district of Minsk. Later they were released. They were demanded to explain their presence at the protest.

For more than 15 years Roman Catholics in Minsk are demanding to return St. Joseph’s church and the monastery building to them.

The plan of reconstruction of the former monastery complex has been signed by Minsk mayor. The project includes full rebuilding of the monument of architecture of the 17th century into a hotel complex with a restaurant, underage parking, a pool and other entertainment facilities.

Every day believers gather near the building of the church and pray for its return. Collection of signatures in defense of the church continues.