For the seventh year running, the Young European Federalists organised their pan-European street action FREE BELARUS on 18 March 2012 to protest against and raise awareness on the last remaining dictatorship on the European continent. JEF remains dedicated to bringing attention to the worrying situation in Belarus where freedom of speech, assembly and association is continuously being breached.
With this years’ action we aimed to “Speak Up For Democracy In Belarus!” It is time that we, as young Europeans, break the silence which is imposed on the Belarusian citizens and speak up!
Around 85 cities all over the Europe participated in this year’s protest. Activists spoke up for democracy by gagging statues and organising flash mobs and accompanying events, such as movie screenings and public debates. In total, around 950 people participated!
JEF-Europe received a huge number of photos, which you can see on our Flickr account. As every year, the best photos of the action were selected and the winners will receive small prizes. Here are those that by our estimation brought to the competition an extra something!
Best photo of the action, as voted by JEF’s Executive Bureau: Oslo
Photo that best conveys the message of this year’s action: Geneva
The most artistic photo: Turku
Democracy Under Pressure 