Belarus: Anti-government demonstrators to gather in Minsk August 30 /update 31

Event

Anti-government demonstrators plan to gather in Minsk on Sunday, August 30, amid continued demands for the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko. Four groups of protesters intend to gather in different districts of Minsk before marching towards Independence Square. The demonstrators will gather near Mogilevskaya metro station, Mikhalavo metro station, Pushkinskaya metro station, and Moskovskaya metro station. It is currently believed that up to 200,000 people may attend the demonstrations with a similar number taking part in demonstrations held in the city on August 23. Thousands marched through Minsk on Saturday, August 29, amid a heightened security presence and smaller gatherings took place in other urban centres across Belarus.

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. Lukashenko announced on August 17 that he was ready to potentially relinquish power following a constitutional referendum; however, this has failed to stem the unrest. The recent promise of military support from Russian President Vladimir Putin has seemingly emboldened Lukashenko, which may lead to a new wave of harsh crackdowns on 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.