HRODNA BUSINESSMEN ORGANIZE PREVENTIVE STRIKE

On 19 December Hrodna businessmen organized a strike. The strike took place on the biggest Hrodna market. "Pawdniovy" market is situated in the outskirts of Hrodna. About 3.5 people work there. On 19 December only about 20 people did not stop their work: one could buy only car spares there. Most of the businessmen went to strike, although one day before the market had been flooded with leaflets which called not to strike.
Part of businessmen from other towns of the region (Lida, Slonim, Zelva) also joined the strike.
The strikers have economic demands and stand for the presidents' resignation. They also demand to release journalists Markevich, Mazheika, and Ivashkevich.
The businessmen are going to launch an open-ended strike since 1 January, if the authorities do not consider their economic demands and do not cut the taxes and rent payments