TALLINN, Estonia — On Tuesday, authorities in Belarus initiated extensive anti-riot drills in anticipation of the upcoming election scheduled for January, where President Alexander Lukashenko aims to secure a seventh term. This move reflects the government’s stern message against any potential demonstrations or civil unrest.
Ivan Kubrakov, the Interior Minister, stated that the purpose of these exercises is to equip the police force with the necessary skills to prevent what they classify as “extremism and terrorism.” He emphasized the importance of thwarting any attempts that might lure citizens into illegal actions or disrupt public order.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a prominent opposition leader currently in exile, criticized the drills, calling them a precursor to a harsher crackdown on dissent. “The security forces’ activities indicate preparation for repressing opposing voices ahead of a fabricated election,” Tsikhanouskaya remarked. “These drills aimed at intimidating citizens are indicative of fear rather than strength. Such tactics will not deter Belarusians from their quest for freedom and democracy.”
The Interior Ministry disseminated a video depicting the drills, showcasing police clad in black riot gear, vigorously striking their shields with truncheons in readiness to quell protests. One striking scene included an officer detaining an individual impersonating a voter, forcefully twisting his arm by a ballot box. Additional footage illustrated armed special forces tactically deploying to take control of a location.
Alexander Volfovich, the secretary of Belarus’ Security Council, expressed concerns over external pressures, asserting, “Our adversaries, especially from abroad, remain restless and utilize every resource at their disposal to attempt destabilization again.”
In response to the massive protests that erupted following the contested 2020 election, which secured Lukashenko’s sixth term, Belarusian authorities engaged in a harsh crackdown, detaining approximately 65,000 individuals. Key opposition figures faced imprisonment or chose to flee the country. Human rights groups report that Belarus currently holds around 1,300 political prisoners, many of whom experience inadequate medical care and limited contact with their families.
As the January 26 election approaches, governmental repression has intensified. Recent raids have led to the arrest of hundreds, particularly targeting relatives and friends of political prisoners as well as participants in localized online discussions among residents of various cities.
Additionally, Lukashenko enacted a decree on Monday that stripped 21 military and law enforcement officials of their ranks due to “unlawful action” during the 2020 protests. While specifics and names were not disclosed, the action seemed aimed at those whose allegiances may have faltered during the public unrest.
Simultaneously, Lukashenko has granted pardons to 146 political prisoners since July, interpreted by observers as a conciliatory gesture toward the U.S. and the European Union. These pardons were typically extended to those with health issues who had submitted petitions for clemency and expressed remorse for their actions.