15 Jul 2020 | 04:43 AM UTC
Belarus: Hundreds protest in Minsk July 14 /update 2
Hundreds protest in Minsk and other cities on July 14 after two election candidates are barred from election; further protests possible over the near term
Event
Hundreds gathered in the streets of Minsk on Tuesday, July 14, to protest the barring of two candidates from the upcoming August 9 presidential election by the central election commission. Police reportedly detained several dozen people while blocking off main thoroughfares in Minsk; however, there were no reports of clashes.
There have been reports of other protests in the cities of Grodno, Gomel and Brest on Tuesday also.
Further protests are likely in the run-up to the election. Associated disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected around demonstration sites.
Context
Police have detained several hundred anti-government demonstrators over the past few weeks to quell anti-government sentiment prior to the August 9 election. The majority of President Alexander Lukashenko's political rivals are either in detention or under investigation. The barring of the two main rivals - Valery Tsepkalo and Viktor Babariko - makes Lukashenko's chances of remaining in power all the more likely; he has been in power for 26 years.
Advice
Individuals in Belarus are advised to monitor developments, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transportation and business around protest sites.
