Belarus: Thousands gather for nationwide anti-government protests on October 12 /update 56

Event

Thousands of Belarusian citizens gathered to demonstrate in mass anti-government marches nationwide on Monday, October 12. In Minsk, thousands of pensioners marched from Independence Avenue to Victory Square, and other locations in the city, to protest the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko and to support the primary political opposition candidate, Svetlana Tikhanouskaya. Similar protests have been reported in Grodno, Mogilev, Brest, and other urban centers.

Further unrest is expected across Belarus in the coming days as the situation has shown little sign of being resolved. Protesters 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. 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.