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Belarus – An Outcry for Change

A woman waves the Belarus opposition flag during a protest against police violence shown at recent rallies against Alexander Lukashenko’s claiming victory in presidential polls. Photo©:AFP/Getty

 

Belarus – An Outcry for Change

 

By Patryk Krych | The World Daily | AUGUST 22nd 2020

 

In recent days, daily life for the citizens of Belarus has become increasingly difficult, with the ongoing stream of protests against the country’s continuous regime seeing no end in sight. All over a desperation to end the 26-year-long rule of President Alexander Lukashenko.

The protests were on the verge of sparking, given the political tension within the country. What set them in motion, however, is thought to be the results of the recent elections, in which Lukashenko, nicknamed “Europe’s last Dictator,” had apparently gained a questionably high vote count. On Wednesday, European Union leaders commented on the crisis, having said that they would not be recognising the election results as real, and would shortly be imposing sanctions towards those involved in the electoral fraud.

At the end of a long meeting among the European Council, which had been called in order to discuss the August 9 elections in Belarus, and the protests sparked by their allegedly fraudulent nature, the council president Charles Michel said that “The E.U. will impose shortly sanctions on a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence, repression and election fraud.”

The European Union did not specifically call for any reruns on the election voting. Despite the demands of the opposition, that is. They did however, all while keeping up the message of diplomatic dialogue and communication, state that they’d offer up an opportunity to “accompany a peaceful transition of power in Belarus.”

The Council president Michel further added to the conversation, having said that while all of Europe does indeed “stand by the people of Belarus,” the solution to the issue is an independent one, that can’t see too much interference from external forces. Specifically, that the solution “must be found in Belarus, not in Brussels or in Moscow.”

“During this week, we have lived many lives,” said one of Belarus’ opposition leaders, Maria Kolesnikova on Friday. “For a week, Belarusians have been on an emotional seesaw: pain, fear, rising spirits, apathy, pride, helplessness, hope and happiness.”

The desperation in the country of Belarus, focused in the city of Minsk, has reached a precipice, in its aims to put an end to the constant cycle of Lukashenko’s elections and re-elections. The many gatherings of women waving flowers in defiance outside the KGB headquarters or at nearby intersections, as well as the echoing chants demanding justice and a fair vote are present now more than ever in the country.

Tensions have risen much further ever since footage of the country’s defence minister speaking to his generals and telling them that they ought to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak civil war was leaked to the public. Many factory strike leaders had also been placed under arrest, and been investigated. Conflict is, some fear, on the verge of eruption.

The highly implausible 80% vote that Lukashenko had secured during the election season is just another factor in the violence and anger that’s erupted along the streets of Minsk, as the population lost more and more trust in the man to a point of open rebellion. As of now, however, he still has control over the KGB, as well as the army – which has recently begun to be seen along the streets as well, balaclava-clad and watchful.

“You’ve always supported the president,” Lukashenko addressed a major crowd, having been answered by hundreds of loud cries of “no!”, in response. He was unable to give his full presidential speech without interruptions, as frequent chants of “resign!” had echoed. He’d ended up standing and fiddling with the hem of his coat, waiting for the curses and cries for resignation to come to a stop.

Videos of the incident quickly spread across Belarus, with many viewing their long-time leader in the midst of downfall, spreading the spirit of protest far and wide. Over the course of the following week, Lukashenko regained his composure and issued subtle threat through menacing statements about “restoring order,” as well as making summons of his security council, giving rewards to at least 300 members of the KGB and riot police for their “impeccable service” during the timely protests.

There is still hope for the country, what with the actions of the EU still yet to be seen put in motion, and the vows of the Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, to “stand till the end” in mass protests over the hugely disputed elections, and the subsequent violence that followed. She said to the BBC that to back down now would make the Belarusian people no more than “slaves.” The protests and strikes continue to this day, two weeks following the election, and despite the president showing no signs yet of backing down, many are confident that he is soon to be deposed.

“They were shouting for their future, for their wish to live in a free country, against violence, for their rights,” said Tikhanovskaya, speaking about the Belarusian people during her only interview with a Western Media outlet. “We have no right to step back now - if not now, we'll be slaves and our people understand this and I'm sure we will stand till the end.”

 

By Patryk Krych | © The World Daily 2020

 

 

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