11 Oct 2020 | 01:16 PM UTC
Belarus: Thousands gather for nationwide anti-government protests October 4 /update 53
Thousands gather for nationwide anti-government protests October 4; avoid all protests as a precaution
Event
Thousands of Belarussian citizens gathered to demonstrate in mass anti-government rallies nationwide on Sunday, October 4. An estimated 100,000 gathered in central Minsk to protest the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko and to support the primary political opposition candidate, Svetlana Tikhanouskaya. Local reports state that dozens of protesters were temporarily detained, although this has yet to be confirmed by official sources.
Further unrest is expected across Belarus in the coming days as the situation has shown little sign of being resolved. Protests may be met with a strong response by security forces, with associated disruptions to transportation and business probable.
Context
Election officials announced that Lukashenko had won 80 percent of the vote in the presidential election held on August 9, with the main opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya gaining 9.9 percent. Lukashenko faced few challenges to his sixth term as president, with his main rivals Valery Tsepkalo and Viktor Babariko being barred from standing. However, the run-up to the election saw increased political tensions and opposition protest activity. Opposition groups have denounced the election results as fraudulent.
Protests have taken place throughout Belarus since the election result was announced, with security forces blocking access to a number of cities as clashes with protesters were reported. Security forces have deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, batons, and concussion grenades in attempts to disperse crowds. Tikhanouskaya subsequently went into exile in Lithuania. The promise of military support from Russian President Vladimir Putin has seemingly emboldened Lukashenko and has seen a new wave of arrests during opposition demonstrations in Minsk and other urban centers.
Advice
Those in Belarus, particularly in Minsk, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and refrain from discussing politically sensitive topics in public or on social media.
