Leftist politician Kalakin dies at 72

August 15, Pozirk. Siarhiej Kalakin, a longtime leader of Belarus’ major leftist parity in opposition to the government, has died at the age of 72 after a severe illness.

One year ago, the Supreme Court outlawed his Just World Belarusian Party of the Left, the rebranded Belarusian Party of Communists.

Kalakin teamed up with his associates last year to form a new Marxist party in the extremely oppressive environment.

Born on June 16, 1952 in Minsk, he earned an electrical engineering degree from Minsk Radiotechnical Institute.

As a member of the 13th Supreme Soviet, Kalakin supported a motion to impeach President Alaksandar Łukašenka in 1996.

Kalakin is a nephew of 12th Supreme Soviet speaker Mikałaj Dziemianciej.

Also read: Leftists seeking supporters for new Marxist party