Mass arrests in brutal raid of Belarus protesters
It finally happened in Minsk, earlier this morning. The protesters have valiantly kept a peaceful demonstration for over 5 days to bring attention to the fraudulent elections in Belarus which were faked by dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenko and his KGB secret police with full approval of the Russian government. In the past, protesters have been quickly detained and beaten, but as the world looked on through the eyes of journalists, Lukashenko had little nerve to make a big violent show. So, he bided his time.
The pro-freedom opposition has been trying to take advantage of the brave protests by organizing a mass demonstration for tomorrow, Saturday, on the anniversary of Belarus Independence Day. Clearly, the timing coincides perfectly as nationalistic sentiment should be at an all time high and encourage people to demand that Belarus, once again, be a free nation instead of a communist puppet of Russia.
Lukashenko is no fool, however. During his 12 years as master, Lukashenko has displayed almost no tolerance for dissent from his dictatorship. It was only a matter of time before he would act, despite international pressure, to quash these people yearning to be free. He cut the power a couple days ago so it is dark at night and makes it difficult for journalists to document nocturnal activities. Plus, as the freezing days grind on, the number of demonstrators willing to brave an overnight stay on hard ground during sub-zero temperatures grew smaller and smaller. And this morning at 3am, the vicious meglomaniac of Belarus struck hard in raiding the peaceful camps in downtown Minsk.
Reports are conflicting about possible beatings of the 300-450 people thrown in prison by riot police. Some news says unequivocally that young men were definitely assaulted and bleeding. Others say there is no definite evidence. It remains up in the air. Witnesses say youth were forced to stand outside in the snow facing a wall all night without being allowed to use a bathroom, sit down, or sleep. A form of torture. In the meantime, the camp of Minsk is crushed.
But the pro-liberty opposition leader, Milinkevich, was not in the camp at night (probably anticipating this raid) and so he will be on the streets of Minks tomorrow, Saturday, to lead the nationwide protest he has called for on 25th March. Lukashenko’s action was a careful message to warn the people of Belarus they had better stay in their chains or risk violent repression.
Now, the question is: Did the past week of thousands of protesters openly demonstrating against a tyrant encourage the general populace to show up in force on Independence Day to demand fair elections for Belarus? Or did the brutal communist methods remind them to shut up and stay home? We’ll find out tomorrow.
Stay tuned.
