Stanislav Shushkevich, post-Soviet leader of Belarus, dies
2 years, 10 months ago

Stanislav Shushkevich, post-Soviet leader of Belarus, dies

Associated Press  

LVIV, Ukraine — Stanislav Shushkevich, who steered Belarus to independence, served as its first leader and is reported to have taught Russian to John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald in the 1960s, has died. “When the occupation of Belarus ends, when peace, the law and sovereignty return to Belarus, streets and monuments to Stanislav Shushkevich will certainly appear in Belarussian cities,” Belarus’ exiled opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, said Wednesday. Memorializing Shushkevich, she said his “journey toward a free, peaceful and independent Belarus we’re continuing, day by day.” Shushkevich, a university professor, became a lawmaker in Belarus during Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s political reforms. “There was nothing to feel contrition for.” Shushkevich argued that he and the other leaders saw no point in Gorbachev’s efforts to keep the remaining 12 Soviet republics together.

Ukraine Russia Belarus Russian Leader Lukashenko Soviet Gorbachev Shushkevich Stanislav Shushkevich  union  russia  leader  soviet  ukraine  oswald  dies  lukashenko  postsoviet  stanislav  republics  shushkevich  belarus

History of this topic

Authoritarian leader of Belarus is sworn for a 7th term and tells his critics ‘you have no future’
20 hours, 15 minutes ago

Authoritarian leader of Belarus is sworn for a 7th term and tells his critics ‘you have no future’

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in Tuesday to a seventh term, and he mocked those who derided him as “Europe’s last dictator” by saying his country has more democracy “than those who cast themselves as its models.” In this photo released by Belarus’ Presidential Press Service, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko takes his oath of office …

Lukashenko in power for 31 years: Why is Belarusian leader called 'Europe's last dictator'?
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Lukashenko in power for 31 years: Why is Belarusian leader called 'Europe's last dictator'?

Firstpost  

Alexander Lukashenko has extended his 31-year rule by winning a controversial seventh term in Belarus. File Image/Reuters Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as “Europe’s last dictator,” has ruled Belarus for over three decades. Why Lukashenko is called “Europe’s last dictator” Lukashenko’s political journey began in 1994 when he was elected as Belarus’s first president after the collapse of the Soviet …

Belarus election is poised to extend the 30-year rule of ‘Europe’s last dictator’
2 months ago

Belarus election is poised to extend the 30-year rule of ‘Europe’s last dictator’

Associated Press  

The last time Belarus staged a presidential election in 2020, authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko was declared the winner with 80% of the vote. Human rights activists say Belarus holds about 1,300 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, the founder of the country’s top rights group, Viasna. Lukashenko’s maneuvers before the election Although Lukashenko’s current term doesn’t expire …

Leader of Belarus marks 30 years in power after crushing all dissent and cozying up to Moscow
8 months, 1 week ago

Leader of Belarus marks 30 years in power after crushing all dissent and cozying up to Moscow

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Lukashenko has turned Belarus into a fragment of the USSR, …

Leader of Belarus marks 30 years in power after crushing all dissent and cozying up to Moscow
8 months, 1 week ago

Leader of Belarus marks 30 years in power after crushing all dissent and cozying up to Moscow

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — For three decades, European leaders have come and gone by the dozens, but Alexander Lukashenko remains in absolute control of Belarus. “Lukashenko has turned Belarus into a fragment of the USSR, dangerous not only for its own citizens but also threatening its Western neighbors with nuclear weapons,” said independent political analyst Valery Karbalevich. He describes the Belarusian …

Belarus’ authoritarian leader names new foreign minister and reshuffles other top officials
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Belarus’ authoritarian leader names new foreign minister and reshuffles other top officials

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday reshuffled his top officials in what observers saw as part of maneuvering ahead of the 2025 presidential election. As part of the government changes announced Thursday, Lukashenko named Maksim Ryzhankou as the new foreign minister to replace Sergei Aleinik, who had spent less than two years on the job. Pavel Latushkа, …

Putin not pushing Belarus to join Ukraine war, Lukashenko says
1 year, 7 months ago

Putin not pushing Belarus to join Ukraine war, Lukashenko says

Al Jazeera  

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko says Russian leader has achieved ‘goals’ in Ukraine and it is now time to negotiate. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not pushing Belarus into joining the war in Ukraine, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said, but he warned that Minsk would respond to external aggression including the use of Russia’s nuclear weapons deployed in his country. In …

Putin, Lukashenko to meet after Russia warns about aggression against Belarus
1 year, 8 months ago

Putin, Lukashenko to meet after Russia warns about aggression against Belarus

India Today  

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will meet on Sunday, the Kremlin said, two days after Moscow warned that any aggression against its neighbour and staunchest ally would be considered an attack on Russia. After Poland decided earlier this week to move military units closer to its border with Belarus in response to the arrival in Belarus …

‘There are no heroes’: Belarus president on Wagner mutiny against Vladimir Putin
1 year, 8 months ago

‘There are no heroes’: Belarus president on Wagner mutiny against Vladimir Putin

Hindustan Times  

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko who had brokered the deal to end the Wagner mutiny said that the mercenaries who rebelled against Russian president Vladimir Putin “very serious ones, are still in the camps they'd withdrawn to after Bakhmut.” Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. If we create armed groups like this, we need to keep an eye on them and pay serious …

Belarus says Wagner chief who staged mutiny is in Russia, raising questions about Kremlin’s strategy
1 year, 8 months ago

Belarus says Wagner chief who staged mutiny is in Russia, raising questions about Kremlin’s strategy

Associated Press  

MINSK, Belarus — The mercenary leader who led a short-lived mutiny against the Kremlin is in Russia and his troops are in their field camps, the president of Belarus said Thursday, raising new questions about the deal that ended the extraordinary challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule. Last week, Lukashenko said the mercenary leader was in Belarus, but on Thursday …

After brief exile in Belarus, Wagner boss in Russia: Lukashenko
1 year, 8 months ago

After brief exile in Belarus, Wagner boss in Russia: Lukashenko

Al Jazeera  

Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is back in Russia less than two weeks after leading rebellion, according to the Belarusian president. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who last month brokered a deal to end Wagner’s mutiny in Russia, has said that its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was no longer in Belarus. Lukashenko said on June 27 that Prigozhin, whose fighters briefly captured a …

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is back in Russia, says Belarus' Lukashenko
1 year, 8 months ago

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is back in Russia, says Belarus' Lukashenko

NPR  

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is back in Russia, says Belarus' Lukashenko Enlarge this image toggle caption Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images MOSCOW — The head of the Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin is back in Russia, nearly two weeks after Wagner's failed uprising against the country's military leadership. That's according to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, …

Lukashenko reveals the astonishing conversations he had at the weekend with Prigozhin
1 year, 8 months ago

Lukashenko reveals the astonishing conversations he had at the weekend with Prigozhin

Daily Mail  

Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko has revealed the astonishing conversations he had at the weekend with Yevgeny Prigozhin, noting that Vladimir Putin was furious that the Wagner chief wouldn't take his calls during the brief uprising. Lukashenko warned Prigozhin that the Kremlin would never fulfill his demand to oust Russian defence miniter Shoigu and the chief of the general staff, General …

Wagner chief Prigozhin has moved to Belarus, its President Alexander Lukashenko says
1 year, 8 months ago

Wagner chief Prigozhin has moved to Belarus, its President Alexander Lukashenko says

The Hindu  

Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the private army of prison recruits and other mercenaries who have fought some of the deadliest battles in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, escaped prosecution for his abortive armed rebellion against the Kremlin and is in Belarus, that country’s president said. Like Putin, Lukashenko portrayed the war in Ukraine as an existential threat, saying, “If Russia collapses, …

Belarus role in Russia-Wagner feud ‘boosts Lukashenko’s clout’
1 year, 8 months ago

Belarus role in Russia-Wagner feud ‘boosts Lukashenko’s clout’

Al Jazeera  

President Alexander Lukashenko has trumpeted his ‘peacekeeping’ role in quelling the Wagner mercenary group’s rebellion in Russia, raising questions about his motives. So when Lukashenko’s press service on Saturday night trumpeted his “peacekeeping” role in quelling the Wagner private army’s rebellion in neighbouring Russia, the biggest question was: What’s in it for him? “If Prigozhin stays in Belarus and manages …

Prigozhin arrives in Belarus as Lukashenko takes credit for rescuing Russia from coup
1 year, 8 months ago

Prigozhin arrives in Belarus as Lukashenko takes credit for rescuing Russia from coup

The Telegraph  

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the mutinous Wagner private army, arrived for his apparent exile in Belarus as his fighters were handed a new role training the country’s army. “The security guarantees that he gave were offered: It’s true that he is in Belarus today,” Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarussian president, said after taking credit for rescuing Russia from a coup. …

Repressive Belarus an awkward landing place for rebellious Russian mercenary boss
1 year, 9 months ago

Repressive Belarus an awkward landing place for rebellious Russian mercenary boss

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin …

Live Updates | Aftermath of Russian mercenary chief's armed rebellion
1 year, 9 months ago

Live Updates | Aftermath of Russian mercenary chief's armed rebellion

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The latest on the aftermath …

Belarus leader Lukashenko’s purported mediation in Kremlin crisis stretches credibility to the limit
1 year, 9 months ago

Belarus leader Lukashenko’s purported mediation in Kremlin crisis stretches credibility to the limit

CNN  

CNN — Nearly three years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin stood by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in his hour of need, backing Europe’s longest-running dictator as he faced a wave of street protests. A quick recap: A major crisis shook the foundations of the Russian state Saturday, as forces loyal to Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin marched toward Moscow. The …

Poisoning? Belarus president rushed to hospital after meeting with Vladimir Putin
1 year, 9 months ago

Poisoning? Belarus president rushed to hospital after meeting with Vladimir Putin

Hindustan Times  

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko was "urgently" taken to a hospital in Moscow and is now in critical condition after meeting Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Belarus's opposition leader Valery Tsepkalo informed. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attend a meeting. The Belarus president remains under the care of leading specialists to "address his critical condition" and blood purification …

UN rights chief decries ‘systematic repression’ in Belarus
2 years ago

UN rights chief decries ‘systematic repression’ in Belarus

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The U.N. human rights chief called on Belarus Friday to end its “systematic repression” of critics and immediately release people held on political grounds, saying some violations may amount to crimes against humanity. Authorities targeted opposition activists, journalists, medical workers, members of shooting sports clubs and people working with drones, according to Viasna, Belarus’ oldest and most prominent …

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: How a former teacher with no political ambitions is taking on Belarus' strongman
2 years, 2 months ago

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: How a former teacher with no political ambitions is taking on Belarus' strongman

Firstpost  

Moscow: Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has gone from soft-spoken political newcomer to world-renowned Belarusian Opposition figure despite never having had political ambitions. Since being forced to flee Belarus in 2020, she has urged greater Western pressure on Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko who has lent his country as a staging ground for Russia’s operations in Ukraine. Like thousands of Belarusians, Tikhanovskaya was forced …

Putin meets dictator Lukashenko in Belarus fuelling fears ally will join new offensive in Ukraine
2 years, 3 months ago

Putin meets dictator Lukashenko in Belarus fuelling fears ally will join new offensive in Ukraine

Daily Mail  

It comes after Russia's military suffered a series of defeats on the battlefield The visit fuelled fears in Kyiv that the Russian President intends to pressure Belarus to join a fresh ground offensive, opening a new front against Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin met dictator Alexander Lukashenko today during a rare visit to Belarus, fuelling fears in Kyiv that he …

Vladimir Putin heads for Belarus amid fears of new assault on Ukraine
2 years, 3 months ago

Vladimir Putin heads for Belarus amid fears of new assault on Ukraine

The Hindu  

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin flies to Belarus on Monday amid fear in Kyiv that he intends to pressure the former Soviet ally to join a new ground offensive against Ukraine and reopen a new front. Foreign diplomats say Mr. Lukashenko, a pariah in the West who relies heavily on Russian support, understands it would be a deeply unpopular step at …

Belarus foreign minister dies suddenly after speculation he'd been discussing secret peace plan
2 years, 3 months ago

Belarus foreign minister dies suddenly after speculation he'd been discussing secret peace plan

Daily Mail  

The foreign minister of Russian ally Belarus died suddenly today at the age of 64, it was announced in Minsk. Career spy Makei had been foreign minister for a decade and was due tomorrow and Monday to host Vladimir Putin's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Minsk. Mr Makei met with the Pope's envoy Ante Jozić yesterday amid speculation they were …

Opposition leader says Belarus shouldn’t fight for Russia
2 years, 5 months ago

Opposition leader says Belarus shouldn’t fight for Russia

Associated Press  

TALLINN, Estonia — An opposition leader in exile from Belarus said Tuesday that her country’s soldiers should lay down their arms if they are deployed to Ukraine under pressure from Russia. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who has been in exile in Lithuania since 2020, said the leadership of Belarus has become a hostage of powerful allies in Moscow who provide …

Belarus warns against pushing nuclear-armed Russia ‘into corner’
2 years, 5 months ago

Belarus warns against pushing nuclear-armed Russia ‘into corner’

Al Jazeera  

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, days after reigniting concerns he could commit his army to support Russian forces in Ukraine, has warned against forcing his key ally “into a corner”, saying Russia has nuclear weapons for a reason. You can’t cross them.” In recent weeks, there has been growing concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin may resort to nuclear weapons since …

Belarus opposition says fate of country, Ukraine intertwined
2 years, 6 months ago

Belarus opposition says fate of country, Ukraine intertwined

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — The fate of Belarus and Ukraine are “interconnected,” and both countries must fight together to safeguard their very existence because Russia doesn’t view them as independent sovereign states, Belarus’ opposition leader said Friday. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania after Russian ally Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in disputed August 2020 elections that many thought she won, said …

Belarus, Ukraine ‘interconnected’; must fight together to safeguard their existence: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
2 years, 6 months ago

Belarus, Ukraine ‘interconnected’; must fight together to safeguard their existence: Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

The Hindu  

The fate of Belarus and Ukraine are “interconnected,” and both countries must fight together to safeguard their very existence because Russia doesn’t view them as independent sovereign states, Belarus' Opposition leader said on September 23. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya said the war in Ukraine was “extremely unexpected” and some Belarusians are especially opposed to the war “against Ukrainians, our brothers and sisters.” …

Belarus sentences journalist to eight years for ‘state treason’
2 years, 8 months ago

Belarus sentences journalist to eight years for ‘state treason’

Al Jazeera  

Belarus has sentenced a journalist, who covered protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, to an additional eight years in prison for “state treason”, according to the channel she worked for. Katerina Bakhvalova – who used the pen name Katerina Andreyeva – was already serving a two-year sentence for “violating public order” and was due to be released in September. “Our colleague …

Putin says Western sanctions pushing Russia-Belarus unification
2 years, 8 months ago

Putin says Western sanctions pushing Russia-Belarus unification

Al Jazeera  

The two countries signed a treaty in support of integration in 1997, and have sped up that process in recent years. President Vladimir Putin has said that “unprecedented political and social pressure” from the West, and a raft of sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine, are pushing Belarus to integrate more quickly with Russia. Last week, Russian Defence Minister …

These Belarusians join the fight against Russia, defying their Moscow-backed regime
2 years, 9 months ago

These Belarusians join the fight against Russia, defying their Moscow-backed regime

NPR  

These Belarusians join the fight against Russia, defying their Moscow-backed regime toggle caption Michal Dyjuk/AP WARSAW, Poland — Inside a sunny classroom in a leafy neighborhood, a burly man in army fatigues and a black martial arts T-shirt holds up a tourniquet. toggle caption Dawid Krawczyk for NPR They're pushing for a new Belarus "We have elections which are suspicious, …

Volunteers who fled authorities in Belarus fight for Ukraine in hopes it will help change things in their homeland
2 years, 10 months ago

Volunteers who fled authorities in Belarus fight for Ukraine in hopes it will help change things in their homeland

ABC  

One is a restaurateur who fled Belarus when he learned he was about to be arrested for criticising President Alexander Lukashenko. Key points: Mr Lukashenko has stood by his ally Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling Mr Putin his "big brother" After Mr Lukashenko was elected to a sixth term in elections seen as fraudulent, massive street protests were met with …

Belarus urges Russia-led military alliance to unite against West
2 years, 10 months ago

Belarus urges Russia-led military alliance to unite against West

Al Jazeera  

Lukashenko, a key ally of Moscow, accused the West of supporting Nazi ideas and of being ‘at war with Russia’ in Ukraine. “Without a united front, the collective West will build up pressure on the post-Soviet space,” Lukashenko said, addressing President Putin and the leaders of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Sanctions imposed on Belarus have blocked $16-$18bn worth of …

Will Belarus, Russia’s key ally, join Putin’s war in Ukraine?
3 years ago

Will Belarus, Russia’s key ally, join Putin’s war in Ukraine?

Al Jazeera  

Analysts say President Lukashenko’s forces may spearhead the Russian advance on western Ukrainian regions. Vinnytsia, Ukraine – When Belarus, Russia’s oldest and staunchest post-Soviet ally, evacuated its embassy from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Saturday, the ambassador received a humiliating “gift”. “Understandably, Putin thinks that if the capital is taken, the matter will be solved at once and in principle.” …

Ukraine claims Belarus troops have crossed border after Lukashenko denied plans to join Putin’s war
3 years ago

Ukraine claims Belarus troops have crossed border after Lukashenko denied plans to join Putin’s war

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Shortly after the Ukrainian parliament tweeted, Mr Lukashenko said …

While Ukraine is resisting Putin, Belarus is becoming his puppet
3 years ago

While Ukraine is resisting Putin, Belarus is becoming his puppet

Al Jazeera  

The events of the past days demonstrate that Lukashenko is increasingly losing decision-making power to the Kremlin. Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei pledged that all Russian troops would leave Belarus after the Russia-Belarus military exercises “Union Resolve” concluded. Although for the time being there have been no confirmed reports of Belarusian armed forces fighting alongside Russian ones, Lukashenko recently stated …

Belarus holds constitutional vote as crisis in Ukraine rages
3 years ago

Belarus holds constitutional vote as crisis in Ukraine rages

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Belarusians cast ballots Sunday in a constitutional referendum that the country’s authoritarian leader called to cement his 27-year old grip on power, even as he offers the country’s territory to his ally Russia to invade Ukraine. In a video message Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebuked Belarusians for allowing their country to be used as a staging …

Europe’s ‘last dictator’: Who is Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko?
3 years, 4 months ago

Europe’s ‘last dictator’: Who is Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko?

Al Jazeera  

A brief history of the country’s first and only president accused of masterminding a new migration crisis. Dubbed “Europe’s last dictator” 20 years ago at a time when Putin was seen as a pro-Western political newcomer, Lukashenko is used to withstanding Western criticism and sanctions. “Lukashenko’s crisis is caused by the nullification of these factors – he still controls the …

‘Freedom is worth fighting for’: Belarus activists go on trial
3 years, 7 months ago

‘Freedom is worth fighting for’: Belarus activists go on trial

Al Jazeera  

Key opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova is accused of conspiring to seize power over her role in anti-government protests. Leading members of the Belarusian opposition went on trial on Wednesday, part of a multi-pronged crackdown on dissent in the ex-Soviet nation that was rocked by months of protests over a disputed presidential election. The trial of Kolesnikova and lawyer Maxim Znak, …

Arrested Belarus dissident weeps in interview on state TV
3 years, 9 months ago

Arrested Belarus dissident weeps in interview on state TV

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — The dissident Belarusian journalist and opposition activist who was arrested after his airline flight was diverted to Minsk wept Thursday in an interview on state television, saying he was fully cooperating with investigators and declaring that he respects the authoritarian president he opposed for years. Asked by the interviewer if he respects Lukashenko, Pratasevich said “certainly.” Pratsevich, …

Belarus: ‘All Belarusians are hostages to Lukashenko’s regime,’ say citizens now cut off from Europe
3 years, 10 months ago

Belarus: ‘All Belarusians are hostages to Lukashenko’s regime,’ say citizens now cut off from Europe

CNN  

CNN — As European airlines suspend the flights to Belarus that once offered one of the few exit routes out of an oppressive state already in the grip of closed land borders, many Belarusians fear the return of a Soviet-style Iron Curtain around their country. “All my friends are worried about the future of the country … we are very …

Belarus’ isolation grows after journalist’s dramatic arrest
3 years, 10 months ago

Belarus’ isolation grows after journalist’s dramatic arrest

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Belarus’ isolation deepened Tuesday as commercial jets avoided its airspace, the European Union worked up new sanctions, and officials expressed concern for the welfare of an opposition journalist who was arrested after being pulled off a plane that was diverted to Minsk in what the West called a state- The dramatic developments put a spotlight on Belarusian President …

Why Belarus risked the wrath of the world to arrest an activist
3 years, 10 months ago

Why Belarus risked the wrath of the world to arrest an activist

Al Jazeera  

Is Lukashenko set on revenge or trying to send a message with Roman Protasevich’s detention? Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko scrambled a military jet to forcibly land a passenger airliner on Sunday night because of a “bomb report” that turned out to be fake. He may be right, because “extremism” is punishable by death in Belarus, Europe’s last nation where death …

Belarus plane diversion: What you should know, in 500 words
3 years, 10 months ago

Belarus plane diversion: What you should know, in 500 words

Al Jazeera  

Western powers are furious after Minsk diverted a plane and arrested a dissident journalist who was on board. Ryanair said Belarusian air traffic control notified its crew of a “potential security threat on board” and instructed them to divert the plane to the nearest airport, Minsk. Deputy air force commander Andrei Gurtsevich said the plane’s crew had made the decision …

Roman Protasevich: Who is the journalist arrested by Belarus?
3 years, 10 months ago

Roman Protasevich: Who is the journalist arrested by Belarus?

Al Jazeera  

The dissident 26-year-old, who had been living in exile, began his work in digital activism as a teenaged student. The news led to international condemnation with some European leaders calling the move a “hijacking” as the bloc was set on Monday to discuss toughening existing sanctions against Belarus, imposed over President Alexander Lukashenko’s crackdown on opposition protesters last year. In …

Opponent Of Belarus' Authoritarian President Arrested After Flight Diverted To Country
3 years, 10 months ago

Opponent Of Belarus' Authoritarian President Arrested After Flight Diverted To Country

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING KYIV, Ukraine — A prominent opponent of Belarus’ authoritarian president was arrested Sunday after the airliner in which he was traveling was diverted to the country after a bomb threat, in what the opposition is calling a hijacking operation by the government. The presidential press service said President Alexander Lukashenko personally ordered that a MiG-29 fighter jet …

Belarus leader seeks to empower son in succession move
3 years, 11 months ago

Belarus leader seeks to empower son in succession move

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Belarus’ authoritarian leader says he will change the law on presidential succession so that power in the Eastern European nation will be transferred if he dies to the national security council where his son plays a prominent role. Lukashenko himself is the head of the national security council, but his eldest son Viktor also has a seat …

Belarus leader to amend emergency power transfer to empower son
3 years, 11 months ago

Belarus leader to amend emergency power transfer to empower son

Al Jazeera  

Alexander Lukashenko to change law so that national security council, where his son plays prominent role, assumes power in event of a president’s death while in office. Belarus’s longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko has said he will change the law on presidential succession so that the national security council, where his son plays a prominent role, assumes power in the event …

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