The elections in Belarus on August 9 continue to spark massive protests in the country 5 weeks later. As of today, it is the fifth consecutive Sunday that over 100,000 protestors have gathered in the capital city of Minsk to protest the supposed rigging of the election by President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years, denies any wrongdoing related to ballot-rigging and accuses Western nations of interfering in the country. Protests continue around the country as well as details emerge that police continue to use methods of violence to deter crowds and many opposition leaders are now under arrest or in exile. President Lukashenko vows to continue to defend Belarus, and has said multiple times that he plans to strengthen relations with Russia, a key ally, in order to establish peace. Russian president Vladimir Putin has said that he has established a police force that he could send to Belarus if Lukashenko deems it necessary. While Lukashenko has been seen out, he is heavily guarded and carries his own gun for protection. Despite these efforts, it seems that the increasing pressure for his resignation shows no sign of stopping and the people of Belarus will continue to protest for the end of his autocratic rule.
Trevor Mohrmann
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54139312
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