Sigma Chi Belarus Solidarity Fund Fall 2020 Fundraiser
Help Sigma Chi raise money for #BYSOL
Story
Learn more about the Belarus Solidarity Fund at bysol.org
Belarus is a land-locked country in Eastern Europe with a population of about 9.5 million people. Belarus gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since 1994 the country has been governed by Alexander Lukashenko – a corrupt autocrat who has consolidated all the power in his hands. This year, on August 9, Belarus had its sixth presidential election since the Independence which has been rigged by Lukashenko and his cabinet. Ever since the election the people of Belarus have been protesting and demonstrating their opposition to Lukashenko's corrupt seizing of power. According to the non-government-affiliated sources, Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, the main opposition candidate gained over 70% of the votes which means she is the legitimate president-elect of the Republic of Belarus. However, the Central Electoral Commission, headed by Lidia Yarmoshina, Lukashenko’s long-standing ally and supporter, stated that Lukashenko had gained 80.10% of the votes. The fraudulent nature of this election is obvious, and the official results have not been recognized by the EU, US and other countries.
Belarus is the most policed country in the world: the number of police officers per capita is roughly five greater than in the United States. Since the beginning of the protests, over 13 000 people have been arrested, more than 450 people reported severe beatings, injuries, bullet wounds and rape cases perpetrated by the police. There are six confirmed deaths (all civilians) so far. Various human rights organizations have claimed that there are over 70 political prisoners in Belarus and the number is, sadly, increasing. No police officers have been held responsible for their crimes.
Many men, women, and children have been brutalised, fined, and fired for expressing their political opinion. Over 500 000 people have been involved in the peaceful protests against the Lukashenko regime and police brutality. The country has been marching, singing, striking and demanding a change for over 50 days now yet the illegitimate government is unwilling to hear their voices, to acknowledge Lukashenko’s defeat and to finish the torture that has been going on for 26 years.
By donating to the Belarus solidarity fund, you are contributing to the financial relief of those facing political repression for taking a stand against Lukashenko's government. BYSOL provides a 500 euro per month stipend to anyone who has quit their job to participate in the general strike. The more individuals who can feasibly participate in the strike, the sooner Lukashenko will be forced to step down and the louder the voices of the people of Belarus can be heard.
