September 2020 Belarus Special Weapons News

Tsikhanouskaya Starts Naming Shadow Cabinet For Belarus While In Exile RFE/RL 30 Sep 2020 -- Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Belarusian opposition candidate who supporters say won a presidential election that was instead stolen by long-ruling strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has begun creating a shadow cabinet as she takes refuge in neighboring Lithuania.
Canada, U.K. Announce Sanctions As Pressure On Belarus Leadership Builds RFE/RL 29 Sep 2020 -- Canada and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions on several senior officials in Belarus, including its authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, as international pressure continues to build over a disputed presidential election last month and subsequent police crackdown on opposition members, media, and protesters.
Belarus: UK sanctions eight members of regime, including Alexander Lukashenko UK FCDO 29 Sep 2020 -- The UK has sanctioned eight members of the Belarusian regime, including Alexander Lukashenko for human rights violations in Belarus after the rigged elections.
Belarus Interior Ministry Says Over 350 People Detained at Sunday's Unsanctioned Protests Sputnik 28 Sep 2020 -- More than 350 people were detained at unsanctioned protests throughout Belarus on Sunday, the country's Interior Ministry said on Monday.
Hundreds Detained In 50th Day Of Protests In Belarus RFE/RL 27 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian police have made hundreds of arrests and fired tear gas and stun grenades during nationwide protests as a groundswell of opposition to Alyaksandr Lukashenka continued for the 50th consecutive day.
At UN, Belarus Accuses West Of Sowing 'Chaos And Anarchy' RFE/RL 27 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian Foreign Minister Uladzimer Makey has accused Western states of interfering in the country's internal affairs to foment "chaos and anarchy" amid weeks of protests following last month's disputed presidential election.
Nearly 200 Detained Across Belarus at Sunday Opposition Rallies, Interior Ministry Says Sputnik 27 Sep 2020 -- The number of people detained at protests across Belarus this Sunday has approached 200 in total, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova said.
More Than 100 Detained In Minsk Women's March Against Lukashenka RFE/RL 26 Sep 2020 -- Security forces in Minsk detained more than 100 protesters on September 26 during a women's march against Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who claimed victory in the country's presidential election more than a month ago amid reports of widespread fraud.
'You Have No Masks': Belarus Protesters Use High-Tech Tools To Expose Riot Police RFE/RL 26 Sep 2020 -- The video shows two baton-wielding police officers and a protester cowering on the ground as bystanders loudly demand his release.
Belarusian Minster denounces Western attempts to sow 'chaos', says threats against his country must end UN News 26 Sep 2020 -- Political and economic threats against Belarus "must end" the Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei told the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly on Saturday, accusing Western nations of trying to sow "chaos and anarchy" in the country.
Kremlin Slams EU For Refusing To Recognize Lukashenka, Opposition Calls For More Protests RFE/RL 25 Sep 2020 -- Russia has criticized a decision by the European Union to not recognize Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the legitimate president of Belarus as an opposition leader called for renewed mass protests after Lukashenka held a secretive inauguration this week following a disputed election.
Europe's Refusal to Recognise Lukashenko Goes Against International Law, Kremlin Says Sputnik 25 Sep 2020 -- The refusal of European countries to recognise Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus is against the international law, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.
Belarus must release opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, stress independent rights experts UN News 25 Sep 2020 -- A group of UN independent human rights experts have called on Belarus to release prominent opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava, voicing serious concern over targeting and persecution of opposition politicians by the State.
U.S., EU Lawmakers Call On Lukashenka To Free Political Prisoners In Belarus RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Hundreds of lawmakers from Europe and North America have written to Alyaksandr Lukashenka to demand he release Belarus's political prisoners - a move underscoring widespread outrage in the West over the violent repression of protests in the country.
U.S., U.K., Canada May Soon Announce Sanctions On Belarusian Officials: Report RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- The United States, Britain, and Canada could soon impose sanctions on Belarusian officials for their violent crackdown on protesters following a presidential election widely viewed to have been rigged.
EU's Chief Diplomat Says Bloc Refuses To Recognize Lukashenka As Belarusian President RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- The EU's foreign-policy chief has reiterated the bloc's stance that it refuses to recognize Alyaksandr Lukashenka as president of Belarus following his surprise inauguration, which sparked large demonstrations across the country.
The West Says It Won't Recognize Lukashenka As The President Of Belarus. Now What? RFE/RL 24 Sep 2020 -- Statements by the United States and European Union crossed a Rubicon of sorts on September 23 by explicitly rejecting Alyaksandr Lukashenka's makeshift "inauguration" for a new term as the president of Belarus.
Belarusian Interior Ministry Slams Wednesday's Aggressive Rallies as Protesters Clashed With Police Sputnik 24 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko secured his sixth term as the country's leader as a result of the 9 August presidential elections, which was decisively rejected by opposition and followed by weeks of nationwide protests.
On Lukashenko inauguration day Russian paratroopers parachute into Belarus for drills Press TV 23 Sep 2020 -- Russia's Ministry of Defense says its paratroopers have parachuted into Belarus as part of joint military exercises.
U.S., Europeans Say Belarus Leader Illegitimate As New Crackdown Follows Surprise Swearing-In RFE/RL 23 Sep 2020 -- Riot troops used truncheons and a water cannon and detained dozens of protesters as clashes escalated in Minsk and other cities on September 23 following Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's surprise swearing-in for a sixth term despite weeks of unprecedented public calls for his exit.
After Belarus' Contested Election, a Secret Inauguration VOA 23 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed the formal beginning of his 6th presidential term in office on Wednesday — holding a secret inauguration ceremony in defiance of mass demonstrations demanding an end to his 26-year rule in the wake of controversial elections last month.
Lukashenko sworn in as Belarus president Press TV 23 Sep 2020 -- Aleksander Lukashenko has taken the oath of office as the president of Belarus in an official ceremony in the capital city, Minsk.
Alexander Lukashenko Sworn In as Belarusian President Sputnik 23 Sep 2020 -- Lukashenko garnered the support of 80 percent of voters in the 9 August election, according to the official results, which were widely rejected by the opposition as falsified. The controversial outcome of the vote has caused nationwide protests.
Iran attends Caucasus 2020 drills IRNA 21 Sep 2020 -- Caucasus 2020 military drills started work in the presence of 13,000 military forces from Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, Belarus, and Myanmar in the rim of the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea on Monday.
Belarusian Protesters Counter Authorities' Moves With Online Tactics RFE/RL 21 Sep 2020 -- As soon as Belarusian protesters wrap up their daily demonstrations on the streets, the movement goes online to assess tactics and to begin planning the next course of action.
EU Foreign Ministers Meet Tsikhanouskaya, Weigh Lukashenka Sanctions RFE/RL 21 Sep 2020 -- European Union foreign ministers have met with Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya as they consider whether to impose sanctions on dozens of Belarusian officials, possibly including President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, over abuses against ongoing postelection protests and electoral fraud that gave the authoritarian leader a landslide victory in an election last month.
EU Foreign Ministers Meet Belarus Opposition Leader VOA 21 Sep 2020 -- Foreign ministers of European Union member countries met with Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Brussels Monday, as they are discussing imposing sanctions on several Belarus officials, possibly including President Alexander Lukashenko.
Russia slams EU for inviting Belarus opposition figure to ministerial meeting Press TV 20 Sep 2020 -- Russia and Belarus have both criticized the European Union for making overtures to Belarusian opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who left the country for Lithuania after losing the presidential election to President Alexander Lukashenko.
Siluanov: Belarus To Pay $330 Million In Gazprom Debt From New Russian Loan RFE/RL 20 Sep 2020 -- Belarus will channel about $330 million of a new $1.5 billion loan from Russia to cover its outstanding debt to Russian gas giant Gazprom, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov was quoted as saying by TASS on September 20.
Thousands March Again In Belarus To Call For Lukashenka's Resignation RFE/RL 20 Sep 2020 -- Thousands of opposition supporters gathered again in central Minsk on September 20 for a fresh protest -- despite threats of arrest -- to demand authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka step down.
Hackers Leak Personal Data Of 1,000 Belarusian Police Officers Involved In Protest Repression RFE/RL 20 Sep 2020 -- Hackers leaked the personal data of 1,000 members of the Belarusian police force in retaliation for a crackdown on street demonstrations against strongman President Alyaksandr Lukashenka ahead of another mass rally scheduled on September 20.
In Minsk scuffle, Belarus police arrest hundreds of protesters Press TV 19 Sep 2020 -- Police in the Belarus capital, Minsk, have reportedly arrested hundreds of protesters amid ongoing demonstrations by the supporters of the opposition against the backdrop of last month’s presidential election.
Moscow Urges EU to Reconsider Policies Hampering Normalization in Belarus Sputnik 19 Sep 2020 -- Russia calls on the European Union to reconsider its policies towards Minsk and believes that they lead to erosion of the fundamental rules of the international legal order and prevent the normalization of the situation in the country, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday.
Belarus Warns to Consider Tikhanovskaya's Meeting With EU Foreign Ministers Meddling Sputnik 19 Sep 2020 -- The participation of former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya in the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers next week will amount to interference in Belarus' internal affairs, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said on Saturday.
Hundreds Of Hasidic Pilgrims Leave Belarus-Ukraine Border After Being Stopped By COVID-19 Restrictions RFE/RL 18 Sep 2020 -- Hundreds of followers of the Breslov Hasidic movement, who were trying to reach the central Ukrainian city of Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, have begun leaving neutral territory along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border after they were refused entry to Ukraine over measures banning foreigners from entering the country to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Belarus president shuts western borders, puts army on alert Press TV 18 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced plans to put the nation's military on high alert as well as close its borders with Poland and Lithuania amid rising hostility from the US and its European Union allies.
Border Crossing Points In Belarus Continue To Function After Lukashenka's Order To Shut Down Borders RFE/RL 18 Sep 2020 -- The Belarusian State Border Committee says it has strengthened border controls, but entry and exit crossing points remain open despite a statement by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, beleaguered by six weeks of mass protests demanding his resignation, that the country needed to take measures on its western edge.
UN Rights Body Adopts EU Resolution On Monitoring Alleged Rights Violations In Belarus RFE/RL 18 Sep 2020 -- The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution submitted by the European Union to launch closer monitoring of alleged rights violations in Belarus amid a crackdown on protesters calling for President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to resign.
Will Russia Snatch Up Belarusian Industrial Assets Amid Crisis? RFE/RL 18 Sep 2020 -- With Belarus facing a shaky future after a disputed election sparked a wave of protests and a brutal crackdown by authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka's government, Russia appears eager to keep the smaller country, a longtime ally, firmly in its orbit.
Belarus Has Sanctions List in Response to EU Planned Restrictions, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 18 Sep 2020 -- Belarus has prepared its own sanctions list in response to the European Union's planned measures, Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said Friday.
Belarus crisis under the spotlight at Human Rights Council UN News 18 Sep 2020 -- The Belarus Government should end "violent crackdowns" and "increasing repression" against protesters who are still contesting the result of last month's Presidential elections, UN deputy rights chief Nada Al Nashif told the Human Rights Council on Friday.
Opposition Countries Fail to Block UN Debate on Belarus Human Rights VOA 18 Sep 2020 -- Disruptive tactics by Belarus, Russia, China and Venezuela have failed to derail a special debate on the human rights situation in Belarus from taking place at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Belarus: UK triggers Moscow Mechanism at OSCE to investigate elections UK FCDO 17 Sep 2020 -- The UK and 16 other states have triggered the Moscow Mechanism to investigate Belarus elections.
U.S., European Allies Among 29 Countries Condemning Internet Shutdowns In Belarus RFE/RL 17 Sep 2020 -- Twenty-nine countries including the United States and Germany issued a joint statement on September 17 condemning Belarus for Internet shutdowns and blocking websites after a "fraudulent" presidential election last month.
Belarusian Health Ministry Has Received Documents for Trials of Russian COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik 17 Sep 2020 -- The Belarusian Health Ministry said on Thursday it had received all the documents needed for launching the clinical trials of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V.
Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in Belarus US Dept. of State 17 Sep 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
European Parliament Rejects Belarusian Vote Results; Lukashenka Announces Border Closures RFE/RL 17 Sep 2020 -- The European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a resolution rejecting Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the country's president once his current term of office expires in November, rejecting the results of an election last month that the opposition and the West have called rigged.
EU Parliament Votes to Stop Recognizing Belarus President When His Term Expires VOA 17 Sep 2020 -- The European Parliament said Thursday that Alexander Lukashenko should not be recognized as the president of Belarus when his term expires on November 5.
Lukashenka Accuses West Of Trying To 'Destroy' Belarus With Another 'Color Revolution' RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has accused the West of attempting "to destroy our country" by ignoring the results of last month's election, an accusation opposition leaders rejected, saying the authoritarian leader himself is to blame for current protests sparked by his falsifying of the balloting after nearly three decades of rule.
Russia accuses U.S. of key role in staging Belarus protests People's Daily 17 Sep 2020 -- The United States has been accused by Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin of playing a key role in preparing the protests following Belarus' presidential elections.
OSCE Launches Probe Into Belarus Election Fraud, Rights Abuses RFE/RL 17 Sep 2020 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has launched an investigation into alleged human rights abuses and election fraud in Belarus.
Lukashenka Strips Diplomatic Status Of Three Belarusian Officials Who Supported Protesters RFE/RL 17 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has stripped the diplomatic status of two ambassadors who openly supported ongoing public protests challenging official results of a presidential election they say was rigged to hand the authoritarian leader a sixth term in office.
Hundreds Of Hasidic Pilgrims Stuck Along Belarus-Ukraine Border Due To Coronavirus Restrictions RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- More than 700 followers of the Breslov Hasidic movement who are trying to reach the central Ukrainian city of Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, remain stuck in neutral territory along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, held up by measures banning foreigners from entering the country to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Kazakhstan Says Military Drills In Belarus Separate From Political Situation There RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry says military maneuvers scheduled to be held in Belarus in October by the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have nothing to do with ongoing protests against Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
Opposition Figure Kalesnikava Charged With Threatening Belarus's National Security RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Maryya Kalesnikava has been officially charged with calling for action aimed at damaging the country's national security.
Belarusian Opposition Leader Denounces Lukashenko Meeting With Putin VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader and human rights advocate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has expressed regret that President Alexander Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as a leading human rights organization accused Belarusian security forces of unlawfully arresting thousands of people and torturing hundreds of others.
Rights Group Accuses Belarusian Authorities of Mass Arrests, Torture VOA 15 Sep 2020 -- Human Rights Watch has accused Belarusian security forces of detaining thousands of people and torturing hundreds of others in the days after the disputed August 9 election that gave authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office.
EU says does not recognize Lukashenko as president of Belarus Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- The European Union (EU)'s diplomatic chief says the bloc does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the president of Belarus, ratcheting up tensions with the post-Soviet state.
EU Does Not Recognize Lukashenka, Borrell Says RFE/RL 15 Sep 2020 -- The European Union does not recognize embattled leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka as the legitimate president of Belarus, the bloc's top diplomat said on September 15.
U.S. Senators Introduce Resolution Calling For Sanctions Over 'Unconscionable' Crackdown In Belarus RFE/RL 15 Sep 2020 -- A bipartisan group of 13 U.S. senators has introduced a resolution calling for targeted sanctions on Belarusian officials responsible for a crackdown on peaceful protesters in the country.
Five Takeaways From The Lukashenka-Putin Talks: Who Got What? RFE/RL 15 Sep 2020 -- Vladimir Putin and Alyaksandr Lukashenka sat down for talks in Russia on September 14, the first one-on-one meeting between the two presidents since protests erupted in Belarus following a disputed election in which the authoritarian leader claimed a sixth term.
Kremlin Refuses to Comment on Whether Moscow Has Plan in Case Lukashenko Fails to Hold on to Power Sputnik 15 Sep 2020 -- Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to speculate on Moscow's reaction to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko potentially losing power.
Russia offers $1.5bn loan to Belarus as Putin, Lukashenko meet in Sochi Press TV 15 Sep 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to grant a loan of 1.5 billion dollars to Belarus, reaffirming support for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's government.
Putin Grants Belarus $1.5 Billion Loan VOA 14 Sep 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday granted a $1.5 billion loan to Belarus as a show of support for its embattled leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after weeks of street demonstrations that have accused him of rigging last month's election to retain power in Minsk.
Putin Agrees To Support Belarus With $1.5 Billion Loan, Warns Of 'Foreign Interference' RFE/RL 14 Sep 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin has agreed with his embattled Belarusian counterpart Alyaksandr Lukashenka to a $1.5-billion loan for Minsk, though the Russian leader said the Belarusian people should resolve the crisis without foreign interference.
UN Council to Hold Urgent Debate on Human Rights Situation in Belarus VOA 14 Sep 2020 -- At its opening session, the U.N. Human Rights Council approved a proposal by the European Union to hold an urgent debate on the human rights situation in Belarus by a vote of 25 in favor, two against and 20 abstentions.
UN Rights Body To Hold Urgent Debate On Belarus This Week RFE/RL 14 Sep 2020 -- The United Nations Human Rights Council has agreed to hold an urgent debate on the human rights situation in Belarus on September 18, amid a crackdown on protesters calling for President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to resign.
Tsikhanouskaya Says 'Illegitimate' Leader Lukashenka's Intimidation Tactics Losing Effect RFE/RL 14 Sep 2020 -- Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the self-exiled former presidential candidate who has become an unlikely leader of the Belarusian opposition, says the intimidation tactics of authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka are only hardening the resolve of the tens of thousands protesting against the contentious results from last month's election that the West has called falsified.
Kremlin: Russia Sees Lukashenko as Legitimate President, Belarusians as Brotherly People Sputnik 14 Sep 2020 -- Alexander Lukashenko is the legitimate president of Belarus, and all Belarusians are seen as brotherly people in Russia, regardless of whether they agree with the latest election results or not, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
Lukashenko Travels to Russia Amid Continuing Unrest in Belarus VOA 14 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko traveled to the Black Sea resort of Sochi Monday for talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko was expected to seek critical support for his government from the Russian leader in what would be their first meeting since Lukashenko won re-election in disputed balloting last month.
Belarus scene of fresh protests on eve of Lukashenko's Russia visit Press TV 14 Sep 2020 -- The situation remains tense in Belarus, which has been the scene of protest rallies by supporters of opposition, who refuse to accept the official results of last month's presidential election in the East European country.
Russia to Send Airborne Forces to Military Drills in Belarus From 14-25 September Sputnik 13 Sep 2020 -- Russian airborne forces will participate in the Slavic Fraternity military drills in Belarus from September 14-25, the Russian Defense Ministry's press office said on Sunday.
US moves tanks in Lithuania closer to Belarus border as Russia plans joint drills Press TV 13 Sep 2020 -- The United States has ordered its military forces and equipment in Lithuania to move closer to the Belarusian border as Minsk and Moscow gear up for a joint defense drill.
Tens Of Thousands March In Belarusian Capital, Defying Threats And Detentions RFE/RL 13 Sep 2020 -- Tens of thousands of Belarusians jammed the streets of Minsk and other cities and towns, as opposition protesters pressed their nearly five-week campaign to pressure President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to call new elections.
Anti-Lukashenko Protesters March Again in Minsk VOA 13 Sep 2020 -- At least 100,000 Belarusians took to the streets in the capital of Minsk on Sunday in one of the biggest protests yet against President Alexander Lukashenko after he claimed victory in a disputed election last month that his opponents say was rigged.
Belarusian Minister of Defence Says US Tank Battalion Transferred to Lithuania Sputnik 12 Sep 2020 -- A US tank battalion is being transferred to a Lithuanian military training ground located just 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from the border with Belarus, Viktor Khrenin, the Belarusian minister of defence, said on Saturday.
Police Arrest Dozens In Minsk As Women Keep Up Protests Against Belarus's Lukashenka RFE/RL 12 Sep 2020 -- Police in Belarus on September 12 arrested dozens of women who took part in a protest against the disputed reelection of longtime authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka and the detention of activists and others in the government's postelection crackdown.
Belarusian Riot Police Detain Participants of Women's March in Minsk Sputnik 12 Sep 2020 -- The Belarusian riot police have started to detain people during a so-called women's march that is underway in downtown Minsk, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday.
Masked Men Detain Female Protesters in Belarus VOA 12 Sep 2020 -- Thousands of Belarusians demonstrated Saturday in Minsk to demand the release of opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, who was jailed this week after she resisted expulsion from the country.
'It Is Time To Help': Belarusian Opposition Leader Rebukes EU For Failure To Act Against Lukashenka RFE/RL 11 Sep 2020 -- A leading Belarusian opposition official has called on the European Union to live up to its commitment to support democracy and announce that it will stop recognizing the rule of strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka at the end of a three-month transition period.
Putin, Lukashenka To Hold First Face-To-Face Talks Since Postelection Crisis RFE/RL 11 Sep 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka will meet next week to hold their first face-to-face talks since a wave of demonstrations demanding the longtime Belarusian leader step down erupted following his disputed reelection last month.
U.S. Says Kremlin Risks Turning Belarusian People Against Russia By Backing Lukashenka RFE/RL 11 Sep 2020 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun has said Russia risks losing the friendship of the Belarusian people if the Kremlin continues to back authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
Belarus: UN chief deeply concerned over use of force against peaceful protesters UN News 11 Sep 2020 -- Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday expressed deep concern over the continued use of force against peaceful protestors in Belarus and detention of those exercising their legitimate democratic rights.
Belarus bound to defend Russia in case of aggression: President Lukashenko Press TV 10 Sep 2020 -- Belarus says it is bound by treaty to defend Russia if an attack is launched on that country "through or near" Belarusian territory.
Belarus Opposition Figure Says She Was Threatened With Death On Expulsion Attempt RFE/RL 10 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Maryya Kalesnikava has said in a court filing that security officers placed a bag over her head and said they would kill her as they tried to force her out of the country.
Belarusian Police Crack Down First, Ask Questions Later, Violence Victims Say RFE/RL 10 Sep 2020 -- When big street protests broke out in Belarus after a disputed August 9 election, security forces seemingly doubled down with a "crack down first, ask questions later" approach that has left demonstrators with permanent injuries and which is still being employed to this day.
Belarus: Ensure 'full respect' for workers' rights during protests, ILO urges President Lukashenko UN News 10 Sep 2020 -- Voicing deep concern over detention and arrests of trade unionists in Belarus, the head of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) called on President Alexander Lukashenko to ensure a climate free from violence and intimidation against peacefully protesting workers.
Belarus Authorities Allegedly Issued Death Threats Against Opposition Activist VOA 10 Sep 2020 -- A prominent Belarusian opposition activist has accused authorities of threatening to kill her has they tried to forcibly deport her to Ukraine amid government efforts to end five weeks of mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko following a disputed election.
EU Council President Urges Action on Belarus Sanctions VOA 10 Sep 2020 -- European Council President Charles Michel has called for faster consideration of sanctions against officials in Belarus after the detention of multiple opposition leaders.
Serbia Withdraws From Belarus Military Exercise, Citing EU Pressure RFE/RL 09 Sep 2020 -- The Serbian government has decided to suspend all joint international military exercises for the next six months, just one day ahead of the beginning of the Slavic Brotherhood 2020 exercise to be hosted by Belarus.
Protests in Belarus never directed against Russia: Opposition figure Press TV 09 Sep 2020 -- Belarus' opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who left the country for Lithuania after losing the presidential election to Alexander Lukashenko, says the protests in Belarus have never been directed against Russia.
Tsikhanouskaya Urges Belarus Opposition To 'Remain Peaceful' As More Figures Detained RFE/RL 09 Sep 2020 -- Prosecutors have opened a criminal case against a leading opposition figure inside Belarus as Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of the country's reinvigorated opposition to five-term President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, urged protesters at home to "remain peaceful" amid an intensifying crackdown that featured another suspected abduction by regime forces.
Flying The Flag: Belarusians Show Their True Colors In Solidarity With Protests RFE/RL 09 Sep 2020 -- It's red and white and all over Belarus, from clotheslines and hay bales to apartment-building balconies, stairwells and more -- a pervasive symbol of resistance to authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and a simple, striped sign of support for his opponents.
US Considering Sanctions Against Belarus After 'Unjustified Violence and Repression' Pompeo Says VOA 09 Sep 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday the United States is deeply concerned about attempts by the government of Belarus to forcibly expel opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova. The top U.S. diplomat said the United States and other countries are considering bringing sanctions in response to recent events in Belarus.
Masked Men in Belarus Detain Another Lukashenko Foe VOA 09 Sep 2020 -- Unidentified Belarusian authorities have detained one of the two remaining free leaders of an opposition council amid continuing protests against longtime President Alexander Lukashenko following a disputed election.
Abduction of Opposition Leaders in Belarus US Dept. of State 08 Sep 2020 -- The United States is deeply concerned by the reported abduction September 7 in Belarus of Coordination Council member Mariya Kalesnikava, Spokesman Anton Rodnenkou, and Executive Secretary Ivan Krautsou, and the attempted forced expulsion over the border to Ukraine September 8.
Lukashenka Says He 'Maybe Overstayed A Bit' Amid Outrage Over Missing Foe's 'Detention' At Border RFE/RL 08 Sep 2020 -- Embattled Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenko has reportedly acknowledged on Russian television that he "maybe overstayed a bit" as anger mounts over the disappearance and subsequent detention of a leading opposition organizer on September 8.
Belarus Border Officials Say Opposition Figure Detained While Trying to Enter Ukraine VOA 08 Sep 2020 -- Belarus border officials say Maria Kolesnikova, a leading member of Belarus' opposition, was detained early Tuesday while trying to cross into neighboring Ukraine.
Belarus' missing opposition figure detained at Ukraine border Press TV 08 Sep 2020 -- Border officials in Belarus say Maria Kolesnikova, an opposition figure who had been reported missing, was detained while trying to enter Ukraine.
'We're Belarusians, Not A Russian Region': Protests Take Aim At Kremlin RFE/RL 08 Sep 2020 -- Belarusians have taken to the streets in the thousands every day since a disputed August 9 election, demanding authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka step down after a vote they contend was rigged to hand him a landslide win over an opposition candidate who drew unprecedented support before the balloting.
Belarusian, Russian, Serbian Military to Hold Counter-Terrorism Drills, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 08 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian, Russian and Serbian troops will practice counter-terrorism tasks during the Slavic Fraternity military exercise, which Belarus will host later in September, the Belarusian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.
Belarus protests: Ministry confirms hundreds of arrests in unauthorized rally Press TV 07 Sep 2020 -- Almost a month since Belarus held its presidential election, the country continues to be the scene of protests by opposition supporters who claim the vote was rigged. Tens of thousands of people converged on central Minsk on Sunday for another unauthorized protest rally.
EU Alarm As Anti-Lukashenka Leader Feared Abducted Amid Deepening Belarus Crackdown RFE/RL 07 Sep 2020 -- Opponents of Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka are scrambling to locate one of their most influential leaders after a report suggested a member of the opposition Coordinating Council's presidium was hustled away in a minivan by unidentified men early on the 30th day of anti-government protests.
Belarus Says More Than 600 Detained As Mass Anti-Lukashenka Protests Continue RFE/RL 07 Sep 2020 -- Authorities in Belarus said on September 7 that they had detained some 633 protesters as tens of thousands marched in the capital and other cities the previous day as part of the continuing opposition-led effort to pressure President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to resign.
Report: Leading Belarus Opposition Figure Abducted VOA 07 Sep 2020 -- Maria Kolesnikova, a leading member of Belarus' opposition, was reportedly seized by unidentified men in Minsk on Monday as demonstrations against President Alexander Lukashenko entered their fifth straight week.
Thousands March In Minsk In Latest Opposition Effort To Pressure Lukashenka RFE/RL 06 Sep 2020 -- Tens of thousands of Belarusians have marched through central Minsk as part of the continuing opposition-led effort to pressure President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to resign.
Large Protests Against Lukashenko Persist VOA 06 Sep 2020 -- Protesters once again took to the streets of Belarus Sunday, the latest in nearly a month of demonstrations following disupted elections that left longtime president Alexander Lukashenko in power.
Divine Intervention? Catholic Church In Belarus Sides With Anti-Lukashenka Protesters RFE/RL 05 Sep 2020 -- As riot police moved in to break up a demonstration in Minsk on August 26 to push demands for the ouster of longtime authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka following his disputed reelection, protesters scrambled.
Tsikhanouskaya: Protesters Have 'Reached Point Of No Return' RFE/RL 05 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya says her country is in "deep political crisis," as the government of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka "doesn't listen to its people."
Belarusian Journalists Sentenced To Three-Day Jail Terms Amid Crackdown On Postelection Protests RFE/RL 04 Sep 2020 -- Six Belarusian journalists detained earlier this week while covering an anti-government protest in Minsk were sentenced to three days in jail, as authorities continued their crackdown on dissent and media freedom following a disputed election that gave President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a sixth-straight term.
Tsikhanouskaya Calls On UN To Condemn Postelection Crackdown In Belarus RFE/RL 04 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called on the United Nations to condemn the violent crackdown by the government of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on protesters who charge he falsified his reelection victory last month.
Belarusian Diplomat Who Resigned After Backing Protests Says People Tired Of Being Ignored RFE/RL 04 Sep 2020 -- A Belarusian diplomat who resigned after he openly supported ongoing protests against official results of the August 9 presidential poll that handed victory to incumbent Alyaksandr Lukashenka says the uprising occurred for the simple reason that people are tired of having their votes "ignored."
Belarus Opposition Leader Appeals to UN to Stop Human Rights Abuses in Her Country VOA 04 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya appealed to the United Nations on Friday to stop human rights abuses in her country, a month after the results of a disputed presidential election have led to the arrests of thousands of peaceful protesters.
Paval Latushka: A Belarusian Diplomat Turned Protester RFE/RL 03 Sep 2020 -- For years Paval Latushka was a devoted politician and civil servant. He was a spokesman at Belarus's Foreign Ministry, the country's culture minister, and then, toward the end of his bureaucratic career, served as the ambassador to a handful of European countries. He was rarely, if ever, in the limelight.
Russian PM In Minsk As Belarus Looks To Ally For Help RFE/RL 03 Sep 2020 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has arrived in Minsk as Belarus's beleaguered authoritarian leader, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, pivots to Moscow to overcome weeks of protests and international isolation over an election widely viewed as rigged.
U.S. Demands End To Violence In Belarus As Dozens More Face Charges Over Protests RFE/RL 02 Sep 2020 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States is demanding an immediate end to the violent crackdown by Belarus's government on opposition supporters after a disputed election on August 9 that gave longtime authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka a new six-year term.
Deputy Secretary Of State Vows Continued U.S. Support For Freedom In Belarus RFE/RL 02 Sep 2020 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun says Washington and its European partners will continue to press Belarusian authorities to free political prisoners, end violence against protesters, and allow citizens to choose their government through a free and fair election.
Women Join Belarus Protests After Dozens Of Students Detained RFE/RL 02 Sep 2020 -- Throngs of women peacefully protested in central Minsk late on September 1 after earlier in the day security forces detained dozens of university students rallying in response to a call from Belarus's opposition for a nationwide strike to coincide with the first day of the school year.
Belarus says sanctions by Baltic states 'hasty steps,' vows to reciprocate Press TV 01 Sep 2020 -- Belarus has denounced three Baltic states for taking the "hasty steps" of imposing sanctions on Minsk, vowing to respond with reciprocal measures.
Detentions Made As University Students Protest In Minsk RFE/RL 01 Sep 2020 -- Thousands of university students have gathered in the Belarusian capital for a march after the country's opposition called for a nationwide strike to coincide with the first day of the school year.
Jailed Belarusian Opposition Politician Charged With Taking Part In Mass Disorder RFE/RL 01 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition member Paval Sevyarynets, who has been in custody since early June, has been charged with taking part in mass disorder.
Belarus Blocks Catholic Church Head From Entering Country After He Criticizes Government RFE/RL 01 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian authorities have barred Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz from entering the country, a day after the head of the Catholic Church in Belarus warned the nation's political crisis could lead to civil war.
Belarus must stop torturing protesters and prevent enforced disappearances UN News 01 Sep 2020 -- Independent UN human rights experts on Tuesday called on Belarus to stop torturing detainees and bring to justice police officers who have reportedly humiliated and beaten protestors in their custody, as mass demonstrations over the disputed 9 August presidential election continue for a fourth week.
Belarus Opposition Leader Rejects Western Help VOA 01 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has told VOA the country's political crisis is "absolutely an internal affair" as she appeared to reject any idea of imminent Western intervention or help.
Belarusian Police Detain Demonstrators VOA 01 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian authorities detained scores of demonstrators Tuesday as university students protested in Minsk to demand the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

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September 2020 Belarus Special Weapons News