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Motion · S6M-16842 · 17 Mar 2025

Commemorating Belarusian Freedom Day on 25 March

Lodged by Humza Yousaf Standard Motion 18 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament acknowledges that 25 March each year is celebrated as "Freedom Day" (Dzen' Voli) in Belarus; believes that this is a special date for all democratically minded Belarusians as it marks the independence of Belarus in 1918 after 150 years of Russian rule; notes that Minsk and other cities of Belarus have historically marked the day by hosting festive celebrations, political actions, rallies, marches and performances dedicated to the anniversaries of the proclamation of the Belarusian People's Republic; understands that these celebrations are not welcomed by the current regime, and believes that, in most years, protests have been met with varying degrees of brutality and repression, including the regime inviting Russian military forces to enter Belarus to help quell protests; further understands that over 1,200 political prisoners, many of whom are at particular risk due to their age and medical condition, continue daily to suffer for the cause of democracy, and commends what it sees as the ongoing bravery of the people of Belarus who, although faced with what it considers is the brutal and systemic crackdown on all aspects of their society, democracy and civil liberties, continue to stand up to the dictatorship and push forward for a free Belarus.

Supporters (18)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.