(ANSA) - TRIESTE, 02 LUG - Numerous actions in solidarity with the Belarusian people, who are fighting for freedom and democracy, have been scheduled in some Italian cities, Supolka belarusau u Italii (Belarusian Association in Italy) announced.

According to the association, "the main objective of peaceful protests is to raise awareness of the current political situation in Belarus in Italian and European public opinion, politicians and the media." The association underlined that "the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has been in power for 26 years and will run for a sixth term". The August 9 presidential elections are preceded, as always, by an atmosphere of intimidation, threats, and pressure. Lukashenko has repeatedly publicly threatened his political opponents, whereas two of his rivals, Viktar Babaryka and Siarhiej Tikhanouski, have recently been arrested and charged over alleged criminal offenses. The association reported that "solidarity actions will take place in Cagliari today, in Rome and Milan on Friday". The association "urges the government to respect the rights of its citizens and calls for support from the European Union and the Italian government in this struggle for democracy and freedom: the Belarusians ask to stop the arrests arbitrary, release all political prisoners and have free elections on August 9." (ANSA).