100 fur vendors walk out at market in Minsk

Nearly 100 vendors today closed their shops at the Fashion World trade center in Zhdanovichy, a large trading complex in the Minsk suburbs, Alexander Makayew, a leader of entrepreneurs in Minsk told the media. It was mainly fur vendors who walked out in protest to the laws that they described to Charter'97 as ever-changing and allowing the law-enforcement agencies to seize their commodity at every minutes.

Over 100 entrepreneurs on August 19 took part in a spontaneous demonstration when revenue officials attempted to seize property from one of the shops.

The Perspektiva, an NGO that unites entrepreneurs has appealed to the Belarus Revenue Authority seeking a discussion to resolve the matter. Entrepreneurs wants to get clear instructions about the necessary paperwork so that they resumed their normal operation.

Alexander Darashenka, the deputy minister of taxes and revenues, today met with Perspektiva chairman Anatol Shumchanka and expressed desire to talk with the striking vendors.