Belarus: Anti-government protests prompting disruption at Belarusian border crossings with Lithuania and Poland June 8

Event

Belarusian anti-government activists have set up protest camps at two border crossings with Lithuania and Poland as of June 8, sporadically disrupting cross-border traffic. The purpose of the action is to demand the EU implement further sanctions against the Lukashenko regime, and for Belarus to release all political prisoners and resume free movement across Belarusian land borders for citizens of Belarus. The camps are at the Kamenny-Log-Medininkai crossing with Lithuania, approximately 140 km (86 miles) northwest of Minsk, and the Berestovica-Bobrowniki crossing with Poland, approximately 60 km (38 miles) south of Grodno, on the Lithuanian and Polish sides respectively. Activists intend to maintain the actions through at least June 12.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the actions. Activists sporadically stage roadblock protests disrupting cross-border traffic. Alternative border crossings are available between Belarus and Lithuania and Poland, though organizers state they may also set up camps at adjacent border checkpoints in the coming days.

Context

Anti-government activists denounce the August 2020 presidential election, which reportedly returned more than 80 percent of the vote for incumbent Alexander Lukashenko, as rigged. Activists have staged regular protests demanding Lukashenko's resignation, a repeat of the elections, and the release of all political prisoners amid increasing security force crackdowns against any opposition activity. Currently, COVID-19 restrictions bar Belarusian citizens from leaving the country via land borders; critics argue this measure was imposed to stop dissidents fleeing the country.

Advice

Anticipate delays if attempting to travel or route freight via the affected crossings through at least June 12; consider using alternative crossing points. Confirm crossing status for affected and adjacent checkpoints before attempting to routing shipments or travel across the border.