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The demonstrations in Belarus have been carried out since the August 9 elections, in which victory was officially won by the country’s 66-year-old authoritarian leader. The opposition and the West allege that the election results were rigged.
Encouraged by Russian support, Lukashenko refuses to resign, despite continuous protests from Belarusians demanding his resignation and new elections.
VIDEO: In Belarus, police arrested journalists and used thousands of water cannons
During a meeting with the new security leaders after the reform on the eve, Lukashenko said it was time to deal strictly with the protesters.
“It just came to our knowledge then.” If someone touches an official – I have already spoken with the generals – he must be small, at least without hands, “said the authoritarian leader.
“Like that. We have nowhere to retreat and we have no intention of retiring,” he said.
“It just came to our notice then. I immediately stated: there are red lines. And, God forbid, anyone will cross them. They will. [demonstrantai] They have crossed them in many directions … That is why those who go out to the railways today, those who hang fascist flags on the power lines, in a word, those who today try to destroy, destabilize the state infrastructure, should know: from today They are in hiding, we are not taking anything captive, “Lukashenko warned.
VIDEO: Detainees in Belarus spoke of incomprehensible brutality: “You could hear people being beaten outside all night.”
Thousands of people take to the streets every weekend to protest for three months without protests. Another rally is scheduled for Sunday.
After the first crackdowns on protesters by protesters, during which thousands of people were detained, detainees were reported to have been tortured in detention centers, and the Belarusian authorities threatened to use combat ammunition against protesters. this month.
Lukashenko has increased the pressure on his critics after his rival in the presidential elections, Sviatlana Cichanouskaya, issued an ultimatum to resign, end violence against protesters and release political prisoners before August 25.
“In your dreams!”
Lukashenko ignored the ultimatum he was given and began to reorganize the security structures, declaring that he would resign “in your dreams”.
“The president has never run anywhere and has no plans to flee,” he said.
On Thursday, Lukashenko appointed a new interior minister and restricted entry through the border crossings of Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Ukraine, citing a coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, the authoritarian president also appointed a new head of the Minsk militia.
I. Kubrakov, 45, replaced Yuriy Karajev, who led the brutal actions of the power structures against the protesters, as minister. Several people died and thousands were arrested during the crackdown on protests.
Karajev and two security officials have been appointed presidential assistants in parts of the country that Lukashenko has called “extremely dangerous.”
They are shipped to the capital Minsk, west of Grodno and southwest of Brest. Those cities have seen the biggest protests in recent weeks.
Mr. Lukashenko also suggested forming volunteer teams from the former army to maintain order and provide them with weapons.
“They can help us a lot,” he said.
Lukashenko’s former election rival Chichanouskaya, a political newcomer who joined the election after her husband, a popular blogger, failed to register and was arrested, said Lukashenko’s shakeup. “.
“He is making these inconsistent decisions because he is in a state of panic,” wrote Chichanouskaya, who is currently in Lithuania, on his Telegram channel.
Tens of thousands of Belarusians take to the streets every Sunday to protest against the Lukashenko government.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Lukashenko, the release of political prisoners and new elections.
VIDEO: Jurgis Didžiulis presents a new video clip directly related to political events
The government detained nearly 600 people after the opposition went on strike on Monday.
Students who organized seating protests at their universities also joined the strike. Chichanouskaya said on Friday that more than 300 students are at risk of being expelled from high schools.
Western countries have imposed sanctions on Lukashenko’s comrades for electoral fraud and violence against protesters.
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