Unrest In Belarus -- News Updates October 29, 2020

Reuters: Lukashenko shuts borders, shakes up security team to stamp out Belarus protests 

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko partially closed the country’s land borders and replaced his interior minister and named three security hawks to new roles on Thursday in an attempt to tighten his grip after months of mass protests. 

Minsk announced restrictions at its borders with Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. Poland said only Belarusian citizens and trucks were being allowed to travel to Belarus at some of its border. 

Lukashenko has been at loggerheads with his European Union neighbours since the country plunged into turmoil following a disputed election in August. He has threatened border closures before but not acted on the threat. 

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 Unrest In Belarus -- News Updates October 29, 2020 

Belarus Interior Minister Replaced As Lukashenka Tightens Grip On Country Amid Turmoil -- RFE 

Belarus protests: Lukashenko fires police chief in surprise shake-up of top team -- The Independent 

Belarus: Lukashenko closes borders amid security shakeup -- DW 

Anti-Lukashenko Strike ‘Just the Beginning,’ Belarus Opposition Leader Says -- Moscow Times 

Lukashenko arrests doctors and threatens students with military service on second day of strike -- The Independent 

US citizen detained in Belarus is released, Pompeo says -- CNN 

Biden vows to back Belarus opposition in removing Lukashenko -- The Guardian 

Belarus: Where's the EU when you need it? -- EU Observer