RFE/RL reports some 4,000 people gathered on Bangalyor Square to hear Krama, NRM., IQ-48, and other Belarusian rock groups.
The bands played under a banner reading "I Am For Freedom."
Opposition leader and presidential candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich addressed the crowd.
No incidents were reported, and the concert had been authorized in advance by the authorities.
But the head of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, Lidya Yermoshina, today cautioned Milinkevich against staging unsanctioned rallies on election day, saying that doing so could have "unpredictable consequences."
The opposition accuses incumbent President Alyaksandr Lukashenka of seeking to remain in power through election fraud and has vowed to defy the ban on protest demonstrations.
(with material from charter97.org, Belta)
Hear The Music
Lavon Volski of NRM speaking to listeners of RFE/RL's Belarusian Service on February 15, 2006 (RFE/RL)
A DREAM REPUBLIC: RFE/RL is pleased to present short excerpts from some of the songs that are playing a role in the presidential-election campaign.
An excerpt from IQ-48's "Vyjscie":
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Another excerpt from "Vyjscie":
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A third excerpt from "Vyjscie":
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An excerpt from NRM's "Partyzanskaja":
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A second excerpt from "Partyzanskaja":
Real Audio
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An excerpt from Neuro Dubel's "Tanki":
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Windows Media
Another excerpt from "Tanki":
Real Audio
Windows Media
Click on the image to view a dedicated page with news, analysis, and background information about the Belarusian presidential ballot.
MEET THE CANDIDATES: Read brief biographies of the four candidates in the March 19 election.
Click on the image to view RFE/RL's coverage of the election campaign in Belarusian and to listen to RFE/RL's Belarusian Service.
