Belarussian motorists protest petrol price hikes

MINSK, July 22 (Itar-Tass) -- Despite threats of criminal persecution
Belarussian motorists held the Stop Petrol action in downtown Minsk late
on Thursday protesting against announced petrol price hikes.
However police interfered in advance blocking Independence Avenue and
forcing motorists into side streets.
The motorists carried white ribbons and beeped while passers-by
welcomed them with applause. They also switched on the songs by banned
Belarussian and Russian singers, particularly We want Change by Viktor
Tsoi.
Eye witnesses estimated a hundred cars participated in the action.
Numerous plain clothed policemen lined up along the sidewalks of
Independence Avenue and crowded Victory Square. They recorded the
protesting cars on video and checked IDs of journalists covering the
event. They later departed in buses carrying no license plates.
Minsk authorities warned earlier in the day the planned protest action
was unlawful and may result both in administrative and criminal
responsibility.
A similar protest was held in June after petrol process hiked 31
percent. Over 1500 motorists blocked Independence Avenue and Victory
Square. Next day President Alexander Lukashenko ordered to decrease petrol
process.