We are changing history: Here is what is happening in Belarus

The worst nightmare of Alexander Lukashenko, the longtime leader of Belarus, has come true as the country is gripped by one of the largest mass movements in its history demanding his resignation. At least four protesters were killed and several thousand were arrested by the riot police dispatched by the President. Yet, the protest which has entered its 18th day showed no sign of yielding to an equally determined government crackdown.

People had swarmed to the capital city of Minsk since August 9, when Lukashenko won a 6th term in an allegedly rigged election. Here is a look at what’s happening and why:

Background: The last dictator of Europe

President Lukashenko who was first elected in 1994, has been ruling Belarus for the past 26 years. He is often referred to as ‘the last dictator of Europe.’ The longest-serving European leader is known for his autocratic policies which are backed by the main media channels and the country’s powerful secret police KGB. The opposition had been demanding a free and fair election and had accused the government of corruption ahead of the polling season this year.

However, in a violent crackdown prior to the presidential elections, thousands were arrested including two opposition candidates. While another fled the country and election was marred by allegations of widespread fraud.

“We are changing history”: From protests to revolution

As expected the authorities declared Lukashenko as the winner of the presidential elections. Officials claimed that the incumbent has won 80% of the votes polled, reported AFP. People who were already disturbed by the violence ahead of elections, took to the streets demanding free and fair elections, and the resignation of Lukashenko. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades. They also arrested thousands of protestors with each passing day.

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“Now we’re changing history,” said 26-year-old Yekaterina Gorbina, a content manager. “Blood was spilled and the people will never forget that. We believe that a new Belarus is beginning. I’m very happy to be seeing this with my own eyes,” Darya Kukhta, 39, a mother of six, told AFP.

The group lacks a clear leader but is united in its anger.

Recent Developments

While Belarusians seek to oust Lukashenko after 26 years in power, force fair new elections and a democratic future for the country of 9.5 million wedged between the European Union and Russia, the President has rejected all calls to step down.

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In a piece for Belarusian news website tut by, prominent Belarusian analyst Artyom Shraibman said sooner or later Lukashenko would have to face reality.

“The moment will come when Lukashenko – or enough people in his close circle – realise the risks from dialogue with opponents are fewer than the risks from trying to put the genie back in the bottle,” AFP quoted him as saying.

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Meanwhile, the President has described the protestors as ‘rats and Nazis.’ Olga Kovalkova and Sergei Dylevsky the members of the National co-ordination council, set up by exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was arrested in response to the protests. 

Yet, the protesters refuse to back down.