On August 9, 2020, despite the raging COVID-19 pandemic, Belarusians lined up to cast their ballots in the Presidential election. For many, it was a chance to once again challenge the dictatorial grip of Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994. When Lukashenko announced a landslide 80% victory and the sixth term in office, dozens of thousands of citizens streamed into the streets to protest against the election that they believed was stolen. The regime responded by unleashing an unprecedented level of violence. In the first 72 hours after the election, over 6,500 people were arrested, thousands were beaten and tortured, four people died. This article is a timely reminder of the oppressive regime and disenfranchisement of the civil society in Belarus, which is now considered Russia's ally in its war in Ukraine.
In 2023, the project got nominated for the Fetisov Journalism Awards and Amnesty Media Award.
Photo credit: Jacobin Italia
