Reuters: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions
MINSK (Reuters) - Protesters formed human chains and marched through the streets of Belarus carrying flowers on Wednesday in anger at a crackdown by strongman President Alexander Lukashenko that has prompted the European Union to consider new sanctions against Minsk.
Security forces have clashed with protesters for three consecutive nights after Lukashenko claimed a landslide re-election victory in a vote on Sunday that his opponents say was rigged. Police have detained around 6,000 people.
Lukashenko has sought better relations with the West amid strained relations with traditional ally Russia. Brussels lifted sanctions, imposed over Lukashenko’s human rights record, in 2016, but will weigh new measures this week.
Lithuania, Poland and Latvia jointly offered to mediate between Lukashenko and the protesters, and threatened sanctions at a European or national level if the offer was declined.
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More News On The Unrest In Belarus
Thousands in Belarus decry president’s reelection as rigged -- AP
Belarus protests: more than 6,000 arrested, says interior ministry -- The Guardian
Protests in Belarus continue despite challenger's departure -- Canadian Press
EU threatens Belarus with 'measures against those responsible' -- DW
Belarus cuts off internet as EU says it's considering action in response to disputed election -- The Week
Doing nothing to help Belarus 'is not an option,' Lithuanian FM tells Euronews -- Euronews
Maidan veterans see echoes of Ukraine uprising in Belarus -- DW
Politicians fleeing, a questionable election and Europe's last dictator: What's going on in Belarus? -- SKY News
1 comment:
"Europe's last dictator" now that's an interesting conjecture.
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