Parliamentary hopefuls gather ballot access signatures in Minsk

Parliamentary hopefuls supported by the "Tell the Truth!" movement and members of their nomination groups gathered voters' signatures in front of the central entrance to the Kamarowski food market in downtown Minsk on Wednesday.

Information about the contenders and their platforms was available on sandwich boards set up in the square.

Uladzimir Nyaklyayew, leader of the opposition movement, is not allowed to attend such events due to court-ordered restrictions, but a life-size cutout of the 65-year-old former presidential candidate was at the venue.

Mr. Nyaklyayew, who was sentenced to a suspended prison sentence last year over a post-election street protest, is banned from attending any mass event.

Andrey Dzmitryyew, deputy chairman of the movement, said that signature collection events would be held in the busy square regularly. If put on the ballot, the parliamentary contenders will stage campaign rallies at the venue.

Police observed and filmed the event but did not interfere.