We have received news that seven comrades in Minsk, Belarus, are facing serious charges following an antifa gig in the city. As people were leaving the concert, neo-nazis from Russia and Belarus Combat 18 / Blood & Honour launched an assault on them using glass bottles and other weapons. However, the antifa supporters were able to quickly group and successfully defend themselves. Several fascists ended up in hospital as they were forced to flee by the united anti-fascists.

The hospitalised fascists then claimed that they had been the victims of an assault and gave the names of seven known anti-fascists, who they said were responsible, to police.

The seven were arrested and have been charged with offences that carry between 3 and 10 years in prison. But the ‘evidence’ against them is weak. With the aid of a good lawyer, we have every confidence that the anti-fascists will be able to defeat the false allegations made against them. Without one, they could well end up incarcerated.

The biggest problem they face in winning is financial. A consultation with a lawyer costs $25 and a day in court is $150. The average monthly wage in Belarus is a little over $200 a month, and our friends earn a lot less than this.

We have therefore offered to co-ordinate a fund-raising campaign. We are asking all antifa supporters to donate to the support fund through our PayPal account (). We will then ensure that the money goes directly to our anti-fascist friends in Belarus. So far, we have either received or been promised just over $500, but we still need more. Every pound, euro or dollar you can afford to donate brings us one step closer to keeping our friends free.

If you are unable to donate yourself, you can still help us by spreading the word as widely as possible and encouraging others to give if they can. You could also try organising a benefit event such as a gig or social evening to help raise funds and awareness. Whatever you can do to help will be greatly appreciated.