Belarus: Dozens detained as nationwide anti-government demonstrations continue October 25 /update 61

Event

Dozens of people were detained in Belarus on Sunday, October 25, as nationwide anti-government demonstrations against President Alexander Lukashenko continued. Reports indicate that many of the arrests occurred in the western city of Lida (Grodno region), where police deployed tear gas to disperse protesters. Thousands also gathered in the capital Minsk, where a heightened security presence was reported, and several metro stations were closed and internet service restricted. Anti-government demonstrations were also held in various other cities across the country. 

Sunday marks the two-week deadline given by exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to Lukashenko to resign, halt violence, and release political prisoners, or face nationwide strike action. 

Further unrest is expected across Belarus in the coming days as the situation has shown little sign of being resolved. A heightened security presence, as well as localized disruptions, are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstrations. 

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.