Nashua residents Tatiana Polyanichko and Ihar Vinnikau participated in a march and rally held on March 27 in Boston, in connection with more than 25 similar events in cities across the United States to mark Belarusian Freedom Day. At the rally in front of the State House, scores of rally participants heard a recording of a statement by US Rep. Bill Keating affirming his support for the freedom movement in Belarus and pledging to “continue to support the will of the Belarusian People to establish a democratic government of, by, and for the people of Belarus.” Echoing Keating’s support for the country’s democratic aspirations, State Representative Nika Elugardo gave a powerful speech, expressing admiration and gratitude for the inspiring work of the Belarusian people, led notably by three unlikely women leaders, including the de-facto elected democratic candidate, Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya. Ms. Elugardo spoke of a shared struggle for freedom and dignity that unites many people of different countries in the world, including the people of this country, who continuously work on achieving equality and a better society we can all live in.

Polyanichko and Vinnikau took part in organizing this event and creating a huge 15′-long white-red-white flag made from balloons, which waved over the gathering spot. The event started with an exhibition of artworks featuring Belarusian photo-journalists and artists, dedicated to celebrating the battle for democracy, depicting the violence inflicted by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, who has held power for 26 years. Then the participants marched from Boston Common lead by a drummer with a large white-red-white flag, banners, and poster-size photos of political prisoners.

The rally started with a speaker explaining the history and significance of the Belarusian Freedom Day, which has been celebrated since the early 1920s. As a reflection of the female-led nature of the movement, three Belarusian immigrant women gave a dramatic reading of several testimonies by women affected by the atrocities of the Lukashenko and Communist regime.

Organized by Belarusians in Boston, this event demanded that the Lukashenko government 1) Stop all violence against peaceful protesters and other Belarusian citizens, 2) Release all political prisoners, and 3) Hold free and fair elections, with international monitors. The marchers also called on the Biden Administration to implement sanctions and other measures in the strongest way possible to pressure the Lukashenko regime to take the three steps listed above.