Belarus leader warns of tough new steps against protesters
Associated PressMINSK, Belarus — Belarus’ authoritarian leader threatened Wednesday to bring criminal charges against opposition leaders and called on his security services to get tougher on demonstrators — a possible harbinger of a renewed crackdown on the peaceful protests challenging the extension of his 26-year rule. “People are on strike demanding Lukashenko’s resignation, and authorities respond with batons and riot police,” Dylevsky told The Associated Press. “Lukashenko is not changing.” The Interior Ministry said police dispersed demonstrators who were hampering factory workers’ passage and detained two of them for taking part in an unsanctioned demonstration. She called on EU leaders to support “Belarus’ re-awakening.” European Council President Charles Michel said after chairing an emergency teleconference of the 27-nation bloc leaders that the EU does not recognize the official vote tally and “stands in solidarity with the people of Belarus.” He said it will impose sanctions on “a substantial number” of people linked to Belarus’ election fraud and violence. “Lukashenko doesn’t know other methods, but we don’t fear.” The Belarusian leader also warned members of the Coordination Council that they could face criminal responsibility for their attempt to create “parallel power structures.” Turning to the striking blue-collar workers, Lukashenko warned that they would face dismissal and told law enforcement agencies to protect factory managers from the opposition pressure.