themoscowtimes--2020-08-16--Russia's Official Coronavirus Cases Rise by Less Than 5K

The highest number of new cases were in Moscow and St. Petersburg .
Russia 's fatality rate has remained low @ @ @ @ @ , raising speculation that Moscow could be underreporting figures .
Russian authorities began easing anti-virus @ @ @ @ @ a massive World War II military parade in Moscow and a nationwide vote on constitutional @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036 .
Both events were initially postponed due @ @ @ @ @ cinemas and theaters on Aug. 1 .
In the capital , masks are mandatory in @ @ @ @ @ but not in the streets .
Several institutes in Russia are working on a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Ministry has said it developed a `` safe '' vaccine following clinical trials on a @ @ @ @ @ trials are ongoing , and the Defense Ministry expects clinical trials to be fully completed @ @ @ @ @

The highest number of new cases were in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russia's fatality rate has remained low compared to other badly-hit countries, raising speculation that Moscow could be underreporting figures.
Russian authorities began easing anti-virus measures in June ahead of a massive World War II military parade in Moscow and a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms that now allow President Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2036.
Both events were initially postponed due the epidemic.
Moscow opened cinemas and theaters on Aug. 1. In the capital, masks are mandatory in stores and on public transport but not in the streets.
Several institutes in Russia are working on a coronavirus vaccine.
The Russian Defense Ministry has said it developed a "safe" vaccine following clinical trials on a group of volunteers.
The trials are ongoing, and the Defense Ministry expects clinical trials to be fully completed in the coming weeks.
AFP contributed reporting to this article.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-16--Belarus Leader Says Putin Offers Help as Pressure Builds

Demonstrators heaped flowers at the spot and the crowd chanted `` Thank you ! ''
and raised victory signs .
Police kept a low profile .
Many gathered at the spot where Alexander Taraikovsky , 34 , died on Monday during protests against an election the opposition says was rigged to give Lukashenko another term in office .
Thousands demonstrated in the capital Minsk Saturday after main election challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya asked supporters to rally over the weekend and keep alive a movement that poses the biggest challenge to Lukashenko 's hold over the ex-Soviet country .
Vladimir Putin has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to its president Alexander Lukashenko , as pressure builds on the strongman leader and opposition protesters prepare for a show of force Sunday .
Many held up photographs of protesters beaten during the crackdown , while one man stood in his underwear revealing the purple bruises on his thighs , buttocks and back .
Later thousands protested outside the Belarusian state television centre , complaining that their broadcasts backed Lukashenko and gave a skewed picture of the protests .
Around 100 staff came out of the building to join the crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` Like everyone we are demanding free elections and the release of those detained at mass protests , '' said one employee , Andrei Yaroshevich .
Riot police later arrived at the centre and blocked off the entrance to the building .
The opposition is planning a major show of force on Sunday with a `` March for Freedom '' through the streets of central Minsk .
Facing the biggest challenge to his rule since taking power in 1994 , Lukashenko called in Moscow 's help and spoke on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was `` a threat not only to Belarus . ''
He later told military chiefs that Putin had offered `` comprehensive help '' to `` ensure the security of Belarus . ''
The Kremlin said the leaders agreed the `` problems '' in Belarus would be `` resolved soon '' and the countries ' ties strengthened .
While Lukashenko periodically plays Moscow off against the neighbouring EU , Russia is Belarus 's closest ally and the countries have formed a `` union state '' linking their economies and militaries .
Lukashenko criticized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detained 33 Russians on suspicion of planning riots ahead of polls .
Opposition protesters slammed Lukashenko for now seeking Moscow 's aid and said they fear Russian intervention .
`` It 's obvious that our president ca n't deal with his own people any more , he 's seeking help in the east , '' said Alexei Linich , a 27-year-old programmer .
`` If Russia intervenes , that would be the worst .
I 'm really afraid of this , '' said Olga Nesteruk , a landscape designer .
'Will not give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo on Saturday urged Lukashenko to `` engage with civil society , '' during a trip to Poland , which has offered to act as a mediator .
Tikhanovskaya , a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other opposition candidates including her husband were jailed , accuses Lukashenko of rigging the vote and has demanded he step down so new elections can be held .
The 65-year-old has ruled Belarus with an iron grip and claims to have won the election with 80 % of the vote .
Tikhanovskaya left the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her allies saying she came under official pressure .
She is also demanding authorities be held to account for the crackdown , which saw police use rubber bullets , stun grenades and , in at least one case , live rounds to disperse protesters , with at least 6,700 people detained and hundreds injured .
Officials have confirmed two deaths in the unrest , including Taraikovsky — who they say died when an explosive device went off in his hand during a protest — and another man who died in custody in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities began releasing hundreds of those arrested and many gave horrific accounts of beatings and torture .
European Union ministers have agreed to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions in response to the post-election crackdown .
The leaders of the three ex-Soviet Baltic states — Estonia , Lithuania and Latvia — on Saturday condemned the crackdown and called for a new vote .
Lukashenko has dismissed the demonstrators as foreign-controlled `` sheep '' and `` people with a criminal past who are now unemployed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his downfall .
Tikhanovskaya on Friday announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power , asking foreign governments to `` help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities . ''
She demanded the authorities release all detainees , remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown .

Demonstrators heaped flowers at the spot and the crowd chanted "Thank you!" and raised victory signs. Police kept a low profile.
Many gathered at the spot where Alexander Taraikovsky, 34, died on Monday during protests against an election the opposition says was rigged to give Lukashenko another term in office.
Thousands demonstrated in the capital Minsk Saturday after main election challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya asked supporters to rally over the weekend and keep alive a movement that poses the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's hold over the ex-Soviet country.
Vladimir Putin has offered to help ensure Belarus's security, according to its president Alexander Lukashenko, as pressure builds on the strongman leader and opposition protesters prepare for a show of force Sunday.
Many held up photographs of protesters beaten during the crackdown, while one man stood in his underwear revealing the purple bruises on his thighs, buttocks and back.
Later thousands protested outside the Belarusian state television centre, complaining that their broadcasts backed Lukashenko and gave a skewed picture of the protests.
Around 100 staff came out of the building to join the crowd, and said they planned a strike on Monday.
"Like everyone we are demanding free elections and the release of those detained at mass protests," said one employee, Andrei Yaroshevich.
Riot police later arrived at the centre and blocked off the entrance to the building.
The opposition is planning a major show of force on Sunday with a "March for Freedom" through the streets of central Minsk.
'I'm really afraid'
Facing the biggest challenge to his rule since taking power in 1994, Lukashenko called in Moscow's help and spoke on the phone with Putin Saturday, after warning there was "a threat not only to Belarus."
He later told military chiefs that Putin had offered "comprehensive help" to "ensure the security of Belarus."
The Kremlin said the leaders agreed the "problems" in Belarus would be "resolved soon" and the countries' ties strengthened.
While Lukashenko periodically plays Moscow off against the neighbouring EU, Russia is Belarus's closest ally and the countries have formed a "union state" linking their economies and militaries.
Lukashenko criticized Russia during his election campaign and Belarus detained 33 Russians on suspicion of planning riots ahead of polls.
Opposition protesters slammed Lukashenko for now seeking Moscow's aid and said they fear Russian intervention.
"It's obvious that our president can't deal with his own people any more, he's seeking help in the east," said Alexei Linich, a 27-year-old programmer.
"If Russia intervenes, that would be the worst. I'm really afraid of this," said Olga Nesteruk, a landscape designer.
'Will not give up the country'
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday urged Lukashenko to "engage with civil society," during a trip to Poland, which has offered to act as a mediator.
Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other opposition candidates including her husband were jailed, accuses Lukashenko of rigging the vote and has demanded he step down so new elections can be held.
The 65-year-old has ruled Belarus with an iron grip and claims to have won the election with 80% of the vote.
Tikhanovskaya left the country on Tuesday for neighbouring Lithuania, with her allies saying she came under official pressure.
She is also demanding authorities be held to account for the crackdown, which saw police use rubber bullets, stun grenades and, in at least one case, live rounds to disperse protesters, with at least 6,700 people detained and hundreds injured.
Officials have confirmed two deaths in the unrest, including Taraikovsky — who they say died when an explosive device went off in his hand during a protest — and another man who died in custody in the southeastern city of Gomel.
Call for 'free and fair' vote
On Friday authorities began releasing hundreds of those arrested and many gave horrific accounts of beatings and torture.
European Union ministers have agreed to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions in response to the post-election crackdown.
The leaders of the three ex-Soviet Baltic states — Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia — on Saturday condemned the crackdown and called for a new vote.
Lukashenko has dismissed the demonstrators as foreign-controlled "sheep" and "people with a criminal past who are now unemployed," repeatedly accusing foreign governments of plotting his downfall.
Tikhanovskaya on Friday announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power, asking foreign governments to "help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities."
She demanded the authorities release all detainees, remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-16--Belarus Protesters Hold 'Historic' Rally as Lukashenko Vows to Stay

Darya Kukhta , 39 , a mother of six , told AFP : `` We believe that a new Belarus is beginning .
I 'm very happy to be seeing this with my own eyes . ''
`` Blood was spilled and the people will never forget that . ''
`` Now we 're changing history , '' said 26-year-old Yekaterina Gorbina , a content manager .
Columns of demonstrators raised victory signs and held flowers and balloons as a sea of protesters gathered in Independence Square , the focus of peaceful demonstrations in recent days .
Belarusian independent news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest in the history of independent Belarus . ''
Crowds of protesters marched through the streets to the central Independence Square , with an AFP journalist estimating the turnout at more than 100,0000 , a scale of protest not seen since the breakup of the Soviet Union .
Tens of thousands of Belarusian opposition supporters gathered for the largest protest rally in recent history in Minsk on Sunday as President Alexander Lukashenko rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech .
Demonstrators held placards with slogans such as `` You ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko must answer for the torture and dead . ''
Popular opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had called for a weekend of protests after leaving for neighbouring Lithuania following the disputed election , which gave Lukashenko 80 % of the vote .
Other major towns and cities in the ex-Soviet country of 9 million also saw large rallies , local media reported .
More and more Belarusians have taken to the streets over the last week to condemn Lukashenko 's disputed victory and a subsequent violent crackdown by riot police and abuse of detainees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news aired a short item on the `` alternative protest '' in Minsk , while not showing anti-Lukashenko slogans .
Lukashenko , who has ruled the ex-Soviet country for 26 years , is facing an unprecedented challenge to his leadership .
Tikhanovskaya 's campaign ally Maria Kolesnikova in a speech to protesters said : `` The former president must resign . ''
The 65-year-old strongman held a rare campaign-style rally on Independence Square before the opposition protest .
He told flag-waving supporters : `` I called you here not to defend me ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter-century , to defend your country and its independence . ''
State television said 65,000 people attended the rally , though an AFP reporter put the number closer to 10,000 .
Standing at a podium in a short-sleeved shirt , Lukashenko insisted on the legitimacy of the presidential poll .
`` The elections were valid .
There could not be more than 80 % of votes falsified , '' he said in a sometimes emotional speech .
`` We wo n't give away the country ! ''
he vowed , while his teenage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure growing from the street and abroad after the European Union said it would impose new sanctions , Lukashenko has reached out to Russia .
Moscow said Sunday it was ready to provide military help if needed .
The Kremlin said that in a call with Lukashenko , President Vladimir Putin had expressed Russia 's `` readiness to provide the needed assistance '' including `` if necessary '' through the CSTO military alliance between six ex-Soviet states .
RT Kremlin-funded television reported that this was in the case of `` outside military threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the streets over the last week to denounce the election result and support Tikhanovskaya , a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates including her husband were jailed .
A violent police crackdown on protesters saw more than 6,700 people arrested , hundreds wounded and two people dead .
From exile in Lithuania , where she fled on Tuesday , Tikhanovskaya called for a weekend of peaceful rallies .
Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in Minsk on Saturday at the spot where a 34-year-old protester died during unrest on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taraisky , died when an explosive device he was holding blew up in his hand .
Following the release of video footage contradicting this , Interior Minister Yury Karayev told Tut.by on Sunday : `` Maybe they shot him with non-lethal weapons , '' saying only rubber bullets were used .
The opposition has called for a general strike from Monday after hundreds of workers at state-run factories downed tools on Friday in a first sign that Lukashenko 's traditional support base was turning against him .
European governments have condemned the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday agreed to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions .
Tikhanovskaya has announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power , asking foreign governments to `` help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities . ''
She demanded the authorities release all detainees , remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown .
She has said she will organise new elections if Lukashenko steps down .

Darya Kukhta, 39, a mother of six, told AFP: "We believe that a new Belarus is beginning. I'm very happy to be seeing this with my own eyes."
"Blood was spilled and the people will never forget that."
"Now we're changing history," said 26-year-old Yekaterina Gorbina, a content manager.
Columns of demonstrators raised victory signs and held flowers and balloons as a sea of protesters gathered in Independence Square, the focus of peaceful demonstrations in recent days.
Belarusian independent news site Tut.by called the rally "the largest in the history of independent Belarus."
Crowds of protesters marched through the streets to the central Independence Square, with an AFP journalist estimating the turnout at more than 100,0000, a scale of protest not seen since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Tens of thousands of Belarusian opposition supporters gathered for the largest protest rally in recent history in Minsk on Sunday as President Alexander Lukashenko rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech.
Demonstrators held placards with slogans such as "You can't wash off the blood" and "Lukashenko must answer for the torture and dead."
Popular opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had called for a weekend of protests after leaving for neighbouring Lithuania following the disputed election, which gave Lukashenko 80% of the vote.
Other major towns and cities in the ex-Soviet country of 9 million also saw large rallies, local media reported.
More and more Belarusians have taken to the streets over the last week to condemn Lukashenko's disputed victory and a subsequent violent crackdown by riot police and abuse of detainees.
Unusually, tightly controlled state television news aired a short item on the "alternative protest" in Minsk, while not showing anti-Lukashenko slogans.
'Defend your country!'
Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet country for 26 years, is facing an unprecedented challenge to his leadership.
Tikhanovskaya's campaign ally Maria Kolesnikova in a speech to protesters said: "The former president must resign."
The 65-year-old strongman held a rare campaign-style rally on Independence Square before the opposition protest.
He told flag-waving supporters: "I called you here not to defend me... but for the first time in a quarter-century, to defend your country and its independence."
State television said 65,000 people attended the rally, though an AFP reporter put the number closer to 10,000.
Standing at a podium in a short-sleeved shirt, Lukashenko insisted on the legitimacy of the presidential poll.
"The elections were valid. There could not be more than 80% of votes falsified," he said in a sometimes emotional speech.
"We won't give away the country!" he vowed, while his teenage son Nikolai stood watching nearby.
Kremlin 'ready' to help
With pressure growing from the street and abroad after the European Union said it would impose new sanctions, Lukashenko has reached out to Russia.
Moscow said Sunday it was ready to provide military help if needed.
The Kremlin said that in a call with Lukashenko, President Vladimir Putin had expressed Russia's "readiness to provide the needed assistance" including "if necessary" through the CSTO military alliance between six ex-Soviet states.
RT Kremlin-funded television reported that this was in the case of "outside military threats."
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets over the last week to denounce the election result and support Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates including her husband were jailed.
A violent police crackdown on protesters saw more than 6,700 people arrested, hundreds wounded and two people dead.
From exile in Lithuania, where she fled on Tuesday, Tikhanovskaya called for a weekend of peaceful rallies.
Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in Minsk on Saturday at the spot where a 34-year-old protester died during unrest on Monday.
Officials said the man, Alexander Taraisky, died when an explosive device he was holding blew up in his hand.
Following the release of video footage contradicting this, Interior Minister Yury Karayev told Tut.by on Sunday: "Maybe they shot him with non-lethal weapons," saying only rubber bullets were used.
Call for mass strikes
The opposition has called for a general strike from Monday after hundreds of workers at state-run factories downed tools on Friday in a first sign that Lukashenko's traditional support base was turning against him.
European governments have condemned the election and police crackdown, and EU ministers on Friday agreed to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions.
Tikhanovskaya has announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power, asking foreign governments to "help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities."
She demanded the authorities release all detainees, remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown.
She has said she will organise new elections if Lukashenko steps down.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Belarus Workers Chant 'Leave' at Lukashenko as Anger Mounts Over Vote

Workers at a state-run factory confronted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko with chants of `` Leave ! ''
on Monday as pressure built on the strongman to step down over a disputed election .
Employees at several factories and state television walked off the job after a historic protest on Sunday brought tens of thousands to the streets .
In footage widely shared on social media , Lukashenko was confronted by workers at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant ( MZKT ) who shouted him down with chants of `` Leave ! ''
as he tried to give a speech .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying : `` Thank you , I have said everything .
You can shout 'Leave ' . ''
Pressure has been building on the ex-Soviet nation 's longtime leader since the Aug. 9 election , which he claims to have won with 80 % of the vote .
More than 100,000 people took part in a `` March for Freedom '' in the capital Minsk on Sunday following calls from main opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya for continued demonstrations .
A brutal police crackdown has drawn widespread condemnation and appears to have turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries against him .
European Union leaders are to hold an emergency video summit on Belarus on Wednesday , while Germany said it was prepared to back an expansion of previously announced sanctions .
Hundreds of workers and protesters gathered outside the MZKT plant where Lukashenko was visiting , waving the red-and-white flag of the opposition and demanding his resignation .
`` We plan to participate in all peaceful strikes , in all peaceful protest actions ... so that the government will finally realize they are fighting with their own people , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told AFP outside the plant .
After flying in by helicopter , Lukashenko told the workers he would not give in to calls for a new election .
`` You will never expect me to do something under pressure , '' he was quoted as saying by his press service .
`` If anyone is unwilling to work and wants to leave , no one will harass you , do as you please , the door is open . ''
Lukashenko then told the MZKT workers that he was ready to transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or two years .
“ We can ’ t give this constitution to God knows who , that would be a tragedy , ” he said , adding that he has rejected two proposals on a new constitution and that work was underway on a third proposal .
In another video recording of the speech , he said : `` Until you kill me , there will be no elections . ''
Demonstrators also gathered outside the Minsk headquarters of state television , where local media reported that 600 people joined the strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , joined the protesters , saying : `` I know how scared you are , because we are all scared .
Thank you for overcoming your fear and joining the majority . ''
Workers of potash producer Belaruskali have also said they may go on strike , according to independent local news site tut.by .
Potash , used to make fertilizer , is a major source of income for Belarus , which is one of the largest producers in the world .
Lukashenko has defied calls to stand down after the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shun independent observers and unleash a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters .
The opposition called for a general strike after hundreds of workers at state-run factories first downed tools last week .
In a video posted online Monday , Tikhanovskaya — who claims she won the election — said that although she never planned to enter politics she was prepared to temporarily take over the country 's leadership .
`` Fate decreed that I 'd find myself on the frontline of a confrontation against arbitrary rule and injustice , '' Tikhanovskaya , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period . ''
Tikhanovskaya has demanded the authorities release all detainees , remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown .
She has also said she will organize new elections if Lukashenko steps down .
Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 26 years .
Pressure is growing on him at home and abroad and EU leaders last week agreed to draw up a list of targets for a new round of sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize the results of the `` fraudulent '' election and called for an independent investigation into the vote .
NATO member Lithuania warned that Belarus had started military drills on its western border and accused Lukashenko of escalating tensions .
The Kremlin , Lukashenko 's closest ally , has said it is ready to step in if necessary .
More and more Belarusians have taken to the streets over the last week to denounce the election result and support Tikhanovskaya , a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates including her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw more than 6,700 people arrested , hundreds wounded and left two people dead .

Workers at a state-run factory confronted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko with chants of "Leave!" on Monday as pressure built on the strongman to step down over a disputed election. Employees at several factories and state television walked off the job after a historic protest on Sunday brought tens of thousands to the streets.
In footage widely shared on social media, Lukashenko was confronted by workers at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) who shouted him down with chants of "Leave!" as he tried to give a speech. A visibly angry Lukashenko walked off the stage, saying: "Thank you, I have said everything. You can shout 'Leave'." Pressure has been building on the ex-Soviet nation's longtime leader since the Aug. 9 election, which he claims to have won with 80% of the vote. More than 100,000 people took part in a "March for Freedom" in the capital Minsk on Sunday following calls from main opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya for continued demonstrations. A brutal police crackdown has drawn widespread condemnation and appears to have turned even Lukashenko's support base at state-owned industries against him. European Union leaders are to hold an emergency video summit on Belarus on Wednesday, while Germany said it was prepared to back an expansion of previously announced sanctions. 'Fighting their own people' Hundreds of workers and protesters gathered outside the MZKT plant where Lukashenko was visiting, waving the red-and-white flag of the opposition and demanding his resignation. "We plan to participate in all peaceful strikes, in all peaceful protest actions... so that the government will finally realize they are fighting with their own people," Ilya Rybkin, a 30-year-old road worker, told AFP outside the plant.
Look at this strike at BelAZ, one of the biggest plants in Belarus. https://t.co/bi1cnGFYdM — Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) August 17, 2020
After flying in by helicopter, Lukashenko told the workers he would not give in to calls for a new election. "You will never expect me to do something under pressure," he was quoted as saying by his press service. "If anyone is unwilling to work and wants to leave, no one will harass you, do as you please, the door is open." Lukashenko then told the MZKT workers that he was ready to transfer powers under a new constitution within one or two years. “We can’t give this constitution to God knows who, that would be a tragedy,” he said, adding that he has rejected two proposals on a new constitution and that work was underway on a third proposal. In another video recording of the speech, he said: "Until you kill me, there will be no elections." Demonstrators also gathered outside the Minsk headquarters of state television, where local media reported that 600 people joined the strike.
Maria Kolesnikova, a senior opposition leader, joined the protesters, saying: "I know how scared you are, because we are all scared. Thank you for overcoming your fear and joining the majority." Workers of potash producer Belaruskali have also said they may go on strike, according to independent local news site tut.by. Potash, used to make fertilizer, is a major source of income for Belarus, which is one of the largest producers in the world. Tikhanovskaya 'ready' to lead Lukashenko has defied calls to stand down after the election that saw him imprison his closest rivals, shun independent observers and unleash a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. The opposition called for a general strike after hundreds of workers at state-run factories first downed tools last week. In a video posted online Monday, Tikhanovskaya — who claims she won the election — said that although she never planned to enter politics she was prepared to temporarily take over the country's leadership. "Fate decreed that I'd find myself on the frontline of a confrontation against arbitrary rule and injustice," Tikhanovskaya, said in exile in Lithuania. "I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period."


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Russia Outlaws Children’s Criminal Underground Movement

AUE ( “ Arestantsky .
Uklad .
Edin , ” or “ Prison .
Order .
Universal ” ) is based on prison culture and consists mostly of children and teenagers ruled indirectly by adult criminals .
Authorities warn that AUE “ poses a real threat to the life and health of citizens , society and the state.
” Russia has blacklisted a popular informal movement that pushes youngsters into the criminal underground as an extremist organization , Interfax reported Monday .
“ The Russian Supreme Court has granted the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office ’ s administrative claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edin movement [ to be ] extremist and banning its activity , ” federal prosecutors told Interfax .
“ The court has found that AUE is a well-structured and managed organization , ” they added .
“ Members of AUE , according to the General Prosecutor ’ s Office , have committed extremist offenses and mass riots.
” AUE ’ s activity is “ based on criminal and extremist ideology and poses a real threat to the life and health of citizens , ” the prosecutor ’ s office said .
Children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it added , because “ their psyche is most susceptible to destructive effects.
” The Supreme Court ruling — made behind closed doors — effectively equates AUE to the Islamic State and the Taliban .
Its members now face up 12 years in prison on charges of organizing an extremist group .
An unnamed law enforcement source told the state-run TASS news agency that AUE has up to 34,000 active members in 40 Russian regions .
Up to 40 % of them are aged 13-17 , they added .
The presidential human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , claiming that its young members were forced to donate money to prisoners in 18 regions .
This year , investigators in Siberia ’ s Tyumen region launched an internal probe after video emerged of regional law enforcement officials celebrating a colleague 's promotion by shouting AUE slogans .
A court in Voronezh south of Moscow in 2019 declared AUE a constitutional threat to Russia because it places so-called “ thief-in-law philosophy and prison code ” above Russia ’ s legal system .

AUE (“Arestantsky. Uklad. Edin,” or “Prison. Order. Universal”) is based on prison culture and consists mostly of children and teenagers ruled indirectly by adult criminals. Authorities warn that AUE “poses a real threat to the life and health of citizens, society and the state.”
Russia has blacklisted a popular informal movement that pushes youngsters into the criminal underground as an extremist organization, Interfax reported Monday.
“The Russian Supreme Court has granted the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office’s administrative claim by declaring the Arestantsky. Uklad. Edin movement [to be] extremist and banning its activity,” federal prosecutors told Interfax.
“The court has found that AUE is a well-structured and managed organization,” they added. “Members of AUE, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office, have committed extremist offenses and mass riots.”
AUE’s activity is “based on criminal and extremist ideology and poses a real threat to the life and health of citizens,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Children and teenagers were actively recruited into the movement, it added, because “their psyche is most susceptible to destructive effects.”
The Supreme Court ruling — made behind closed doors — effectively equates AUE to the Islamic State and the Taliban.
Its members now face up 12 years in prison on charges of organizing an extremist group.
An unnamed law enforcement source told the state-run TASS news agency that AUE has up to 34,000 active members in 40 Russian regions. Up to 40% of them are aged 13-17, they added.
The presidential human rights council raised concerns about AUE in 2016, claiming that its young members were forced to donate money to prisoners in 18 regions.
This year, investigators in Siberia’s Tyumen region launched an internal probe after video emerged of regional law enforcement officials celebrating a colleague's promotion by shouting AUE slogans.
A court in Voronezh south of Moscow in 2019 declared AUE a constitutional threat to Russia because it places so-called “thief-in-law philosophy and prison code” above Russia’s legal system.
The AUE, the Islamic State and the Taliban are terrorist groups banned in Russia.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Russia Summons Netherlands Diplomat Over Spying Accusations

Russia 's Foreign Ministry on Monday said it had summoned the Dutch charge d'affaires in Moscow to protest over what @ @ @ @ @ Russia 's military attache in the Netherlands .
Russia `` strongly protested '' to the @ @ @ @ @ of `` spy equipment '' in the official car of the Russian military attache in @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
`` These unfriendly actions further complicate the already difficult relations @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement said .
Moscow called for immediate measures to prevent similar incidents in @ @ @ @ @ the ministry .
According to Dutch public television , Prime Minister Mark Rutte declined to @ @ @ @ @ multiplied in recent years between Russia and Western governments , with relations at their lowest @ @ @ @ @ Moscow 's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 .

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Monday said it had summoned the Dutch charge d'affaires in Moscow to protest over what it said was spying on Russia's military attache in the Netherlands.
Russia "strongly protested" to the Dutch diplomat after the discovery of "spy equipment" in the official car of the Russian military attache in the Netherlands, the ministry said in a statement.
"These unfriendly actions further complicate the already difficult relations between the two countries," the statement said.
Moscow called for immediate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, according to the ministry.
According to Dutch public television, Prime Minister Mark Rutte declined to comment.
Espionage cases have multiplied in recent years between Russia and Western governments, with relations at their lowest since the Ukrainian crisis and Moscow's annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Belarus: a Week of Post-Electoral Turmoil

A crushing re-election victory for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in disputed polls followed by anti-government protests seeking to oust him , here is a recap of a week of drama in the ex-Soviet country .
On Aug. 9 , 2020 , Lukashenko , 65 , who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist since 1994 , runs for a sixth term in presidential elections .
His main rival is the 37-year-old political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who decided to run for president after her blogger husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was jailed and barred from contesting .
That night , an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya rejects the results .
Anti-government protests break out that are violently repressed by police , leading to some 3,000 arrests and dozens of injuries .
The next day , the first official results give victory to Lukashenko with 80 % of votes , far ahead of Tikhanovskaya with 10 % .
Tikhanovskaya claims victory and calls on Lukashenko to step down .
Russia , China and Venezuela welcome Lukashenko 's re-election , but other countries and the European Union question the fairness of the vote and condemn the crackdown on protests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police in Minsk and other cities , leading to some 2,000 arrests .
One man dies when an explosive device goes off in his hand , police say , confirming the first fatality of the post-election protests .
On Aug. 11 a distressed-looking Tikhanovskaya says she has made a `` difficult decision '' to leave her country for Lithuania .
In Minsk , state media releases a video showing Tikhanovskaya urging supporters not to protest , but her allies say it was recorded under pressure .
Fresh protests take place overnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are arrested .
The interior ministry on Aug. 12 says police in the city of Brest used firearms against a group of protesters .
Several hundred women , many wearing white and holding flowers , join hands to form a human chain in central Minsk urging an end to police violence .
Officials confirm a second death in the unrest .
They say a 25-year-old man died after he was detained on Aug. 9 for taking part in illegal protests and sentenced to 10 days in prison .
On Aug. 13 , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they have made 700 fresh arrests .
Russia accuses outside forces of attempting to destabilize Belarus .
Witness accounts of the torture of jailed protesters spread .
On the 14th , Tikhanovskaya calls for `` peaceful '' protests in all cities at the weekend .
Workers in several factories walk off the job .
Lukashenko accuses Poland , the Netherlands , Ukraine and Russian opposition figures of being behind the protests .
At a meeting in Brussels the European Union approves sanctions against those involved in the repression and electoral fraud .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has promised to help maintain security .
On the 16th , tens of thousands of people gather in Minsk , in what is the biggest ever opposition rally in the history of the country .
He tells workers at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant ( MZKT ) that he is ready to transfer powers under a new constitution within one or two years .
The authorities announce the liberation of more than 2,000 of the 6,700 people arrested up to Aug. 13 .
Tikhanovskaya says in a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take over the country 's leadership .
The opposition calls a strike .
Britain , among others , says it does not accept the results of the election and intends to sanction those responsible for the repression .

A crushing re-election victory for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in disputed polls followed by anti-government protests seeking to oust him, here is a recap of a week of drama in the ex-Soviet country.
Vote sparks violence
On Aug. 9, 2020, Lukashenko, 65, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist since 1994, runs for a sixth term in presidential elections.
His main rival is the 37-year-old political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who decided to run for president after her blogger husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was jailed and barred from contesting.
That night, an official exit poll declares Lukashenko the victor. Tikhanovskaya rejects the results.
Anti-government protests break out that are violently repressed by police, leading to some 3,000 arrests and dozens of injuries.
First death
The next day, the first official results give victory to Lukashenko with 80% of votes, far ahead of Tikhanovskaya with 10%.
Tikhanovskaya claims victory and calls on Lukashenko to step down.
Russia, China and Venezuela welcome Lukashenko's re-election, but other countries and the European Union question the fairness of the vote and condemn the crackdown on protests.
For a second night, demonstrators clash with police in Minsk and other cities, leading to some 2,000 arrests.
One man dies when an explosive device goes off in his hand, police say, confirming the first fatality of the post-election protests.
Refuge in Lithuania
On Aug. 11 a distressed-looking Tikhanovskaya says she has made a "difficult decision" to leave her country for Lithuania.
In Minsk, state media releases a video showing Tikhanovskaya urging supporters not to protest, but her allies say it was recorded under pressure.
Second death
Fresh protests take place overnight, again harshly repressed. About 1,000 people are arrested.
The interior ministry on Aug. 12 says police in the city of Brest used firearms against a group of protesters.
Several hundred women, many wearing white and holding flowers, join hands to form a human chain in central Minsk urging an end to police violence.
Officials confirm a second death in the unrest. They say a 25-year-old man died after he was detained on Aug. 9 for taking part in illegal protests and sentenced to 10 days in prison.
On Aug. 13, after a fourth night of unrest, authorities say they have made 700 fresh arrests.
The human chain grows.
Russia accuses outside forces of attempting to destabilize Belarus.
Torture
Witness accounts of the torture of jailed protesters spread.
On the 14th, Tikhanovskaya calls for "peaceful" protests in all cities at the weekend.
Workers in several factories walk off the job.
Lukashenko accuses Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine and Russian opposition figures of being behind the protests.
At a meeting in Brussels the European Union approves sanctions against those involved in the repression and electoral fraud.
Historic demo
On the 15th, Lukashenko says that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has promised to help maintain security.
On the 16th, tens of thousands of people gather in Minsk, in what is the biggest ever opposition rally in the history of the country.
Lukashenko rejects calls to organize a new election.
He tells workers at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) that he is ready to transfer powers under a new constitution within one or two years.
Later in the day, he adds that new presidential elections, one of the key opposition demands, will be held after Belarus adopts a new constitution.
The authorities announce the liberation of more than 2,000 of the 6,700 people arrested up to Aug. 13.
Tikhanovskaya says in a video from exile in Lithuania she is ready to take over the country's leadership. The opposition calls a strike.
Britain, among others, says it does not accept the results of the election and intends to sanction those responsible for the repression.
The European Union announces a summit for Wednesday.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Mining at 'Sacred' Russian Hill Halted After Protests, Clashes

Protests broke out at Kushtau hill in the republic of Bashkortostan earlier in August when the Bashkir Soda Company ( BSK ) began prospecting work at the site 1,500 kilometers east of Moscow .
Around 50 protesters were detained and their encampment destroyed following clashes with BSK security contractors and riot police Saturday .
The head of a central Russian region has suspended all works at a limestone production site on a `` sacred '' natural landmark after violent clashes broke out between environmental activists and security personnel over the weekend .
Bashkortostan Governor Radiy Khabirov met with protesters at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to halt mining works until they reach a mutually agreed decision .
“ No one will enter the Kushtau shihan [ hill ] and there will be no works there until we find a compromise , ” Khabirov told activists , according to a transcript on his administration ’ s website .
Khabirov backed a proposal to set up a coordinating committee on resolving the standoff over Kushtau and scheduled its first meeting Monday .
“ We ’ re ready to examine the situation in fine detail , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including declaring Kushtau a natural monument and releasing detained activists , the tjournal.ru news website reported .
The Kushtau hill is one of four distinct limestone hills formed in the area 230 million years ago and has a unique ecosystem .
It is considered sacred in the local community .
Authorities in 2019 granted BSK a 20-year license to develop Kushtau despite public outcry that the development would cause environmental damage .
BSK ’ s work on another one of the hills , Shakhtau , has led to its “ full destruction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental NGO said BSK settled on developing Kushtau because another hill , Toratau , was a protected resource .

Protests broke out at Kushtau hill in the republic of Bashkortostan earlier in August when the Bashkir Soda Company (BSK) began prospecting work at the site 1,500 kilometers east of Moscow. Around 50 protesters were detained and their encampment destroyed following clashes with BSK security contractors and riot police Saturday.
The head of a central Russian region has suspended all works at a limestone production site on a "sacred" natural landmark after violent clashes broke out between environmental activists and security personnel over the weekend.
Bashkortostan Governor Radiy Khabirov met with protesters at Kushtau hill on Sunday, where he pledged to halt mining works until they reach a mutually agreed decision.
“No one will enter the Kushtau shihan [hill] and there will be no works there until we find a compromise,” Khabirov told activists, according to a transcript on his administration’s website.
Khabirov backed a proposal to set up a coordinating committee on resolving the standoff over Kushtau and scheduled its first meeting Monday. “We’re ready to examine the situation in fine detail,” he said.
The protesters issued a series of demands including declaring Kushtau a natural monument and releasing detained activists, the tjournal.ru news website reported.
The Kushtau hill is one of four distinct limestone hills formed in the area 230 million years ago and has a unique ecosystem. It is considered sacred in the local community.
Authorities in 2019 granted BSK a 20-year license to develop Kushtau despite public outcry that the development would cause environmental damage.
BSK’s work on another one of the hills, Shakhtau, has led to its “full destruction,” according to Greenpeace Russia. The environmental NGO said BSK settled on developing Kushtau because another hill, Toratau, was a protected resource.
Ancient Bashkirs considered Toratau a sacred burial site, the Bashkortostan-based proufu.ru news website said.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Kazakhstan: Troubled Nazarbayev Grandson Dies Aged 29

In 2013 , he married Alima Boranbayeva , whose father , Kairat Boranbayev , is a prominent businessman and the chairman of one of Kazakhstan ’ s most successful football clubs .
U.S. rapper Kanye West was reported to have commanded a multimillion dollar fee to perform at the party .
Aisultan had once been tipped for great things .
He graduated from Britain ’ s prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2010 and was entrusted with a post in the Defense Ministry by the time he was in his early 20s .
In a post on Facebook , Nazarbayeva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since her abrupt dismissal as chair of the Senate in May , requested privacy for her family while it mourned the loss of “ our beloved Aisultan.
” Aisultan ’ s death was confirmed by his mother Dariga Nazarbayeva late on Aug. 16 , hours after local media reported the news , with one outlet citing heart failure as the cause of death .
Throughout his troubles , however , Aisultan maintained fast loyalty to his grandfather , Nursultan Nazarbayev .
The 29-year-old ’ s struggle to regain mental health had played out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he repeatedly took to social media to level increasingly outrageous allegations against his own family and other elite figures .
Aisultan Nazarbayev , a grandson of Kazakhstan ’ s former president , has died in London after years of battling drug addiction .
Although the Nazarbayev family is shielded by draconian laws from prying journalists , the domestic trauma could not be evaded .
In 2015 , Aisultan ’ s one-time high-flying father , Rakhat Aliyev , who had had an acrimonious falling-out with President Nazarbayev , died of apparent suicide in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son , Nurali , 35 , took over the reins of their father ’ s considerable business interests and has since become a serious player in the banking sector .
Aisultan , however , appears around this time to have turned away from the regime that nurtured him .
In the year after Aliyev ’ s death , Aisultan took to Facebook to blast what he called the “ medieval mentality ” of Kazakhstan ’ s elite .
In the same message he accused several of his grandfather ’ s top associates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his newfound interest in domestic politics had been triggered by the recent birth of his daughter .
“ There isn ’ t a day that goes by when I don ’ t think about the Kazakhstan that my daughter is growing up in , where her friends are growing up , where her future husband is growing up , ” he wrote .
This message was published after a failed bid to be appointed president of the national soccer federation , a post once occupied by his father .
Sport was a driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Under-17 level and spent six months with England ’ s Portsmouth football club in 2007 , when it was still in the English Premier League .
In late 2017 Aisultan admitted he had become addicted to drugs .
In a Facebook post he described how he had developed the habit after failing to come to terms with the “ double blow ” of his father ’ s death and the subsequent death of his paternal grandfather .
Nazarbayev , who stepped down as president in 2019 , had become a “ spiritual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Aisultan wrote , shortly before disappearing from sight for more than a year .
When he returned , matters became worse , as he emerged anew to claim he had been forcibly confined to a “ private Russian jail ” – a statement widely interpreted to mean he had done another stint in rehab .
From there , his public utterances grew ever more erratic .
He reserved his harshest invective for his mother and her civil partner , Alnur Musayev , a former internal security chief whom he accused of plotting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider intrigue were mingled in Aisultan ’ s Facebook rants , which he latterly published under the amended name of Aisultan Jesus Rakhat , with bizarre public claims about his family .

Aisultan Nazarbayev, a grandson of Kazakhstan’s former president, has died in London after years of battling drug addiction. The 29-year-old’s struggle to regain mental health had played out in acutely public fashion in recent years as he repeatedly took to social media to level increasingly outrageous allegations against his own family and other elite figures. Throughout his troubles, however, Aisultan maintained fast loyalty to his grandfather, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Aisultan’s death was confirmed by his mother Dariga Nazarbayeva late on Aug. 16, hours after local media reported the news, with one outlet citing heart failure as the cause of death. In a post on Facebook, Nazarbayeva, who has made few public appearances since her abrupt dismissal as chair of the Senate in May, requested privacy for her family while it mourned the loss of “our beloved Aisultan.” Aisultan had once been tipped for great things. He graduated from Britain’s prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2010 and was entrusted with a post in the Defense Ministry by the time he was in his early 20s. In 2013, he married Alima Boranbayeva, whose father, Kairat Boranbayev, is a prominent businessman and the chairman of one of Kazakhstan’s most successful football clubs. U.S. rapper Kanye West was reported to have commanded a multimillion dollar fee to perform at the party.
Although the Nazarbayev family is shielded by draconian laws from prying journalists, the domestic trauma could not be evaded. In 2015, Aisultan’s one-time high-flying father, Rakhat Aliyev, who had had an acrimonious falling-out with President Nazarbayev, died of apparent suicide in an Austrian jail. An older Aliyev son, Nurali, 35, took over the reins of their father’s considerable business interests and has since become a serious player in the banking sector. Aisultan, however, appears around this time to have turned away from the regime that nurtured him. In the year after Aliyev’s death, Aisultan took to Facebook to blast what he called the “medieval mentality” of Kazakhstan’s elite. In the same message he accused several of his grandfather’s top associates of plotting and scheming. Aisultan explained that his newfound interest in domestic politics had been triggered by the recent birth of his daughter. “There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about the Kazakhstan that my daughter is growing up in, where her friends are growing up, where her future husband is growing up,” he wrote. This message was published after a failed bid to be appointed president of the national soccer federation, a post once occupied by his father. Sport was a driving passion for Aisultan. He represented Kazakhstan at Under-17 level and spent six months with England’s Portsmouth football club in 2007, when it was still in the English Premier League. In late 2017 Aisultan admitted he had become addicted to drugs. In a Facebook post he described how he had developed the habit after failing to come to terms with the “double blow” of his father’s death and the subsequent death of his paternal grandfather. Nazarbayev, who stepped down as president in 2019, had become a “spiritual father” and helped him overcome addiction, Aisultan wrote, shortly before disappearing from sight for more than a year. When he returned, matters became worse, as he emerged anew to claim he had been forcibly confined to a “private Russian jail” – a statement widely interpreted to mean he had done another stint in rehab. From there, his public utterances grew ever more erratic. He reserved his harshest invective for his mother and her civil partner, Alnur Musayev, a former internal security chief whom he accused of plotting to assassinate him. Tales of alleged insider intrigue were mingled in Aisultan’s Facebook rants, which he latterly published under the amended name of Aisultan Jesus Rakhat, with bizarre public claims about his family.


themoscowtimes--2020-08-17--Belarus State TV Workers Join Anti-Lukashenko Strike

Belarusian state television and radio workers walked off the job Monday , becoming the latest public employees to support the opposition in calling for new elections after last week 's official results showed a landslide victory for strongman President Alexander Lukashenko .
The unprecedented show of resistance comes after several state television presenters resigned last week in protest against the government ’ s harsh crackdown on peaceful opposition demonstrators .
Around 100 Belteleradio camera operators , directors and recent resignees have gathered outside the broadcaster ’ s headquarters in Minsk , the independent tut.by news outlet reported .
The journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 9 presidential election results , release political prisoners and abolish censorship in the media .
Belteleradio ’ s Belarus 1 television channel broadcast reruns of Sunday ’ s news for at least two hours during the workers ’ strike , the Russian state-run TASS news agency reported Monday .
Employees who agreed to meet Belteleradio chairman Ivan Eismont inside the office said he urged their disgruntled colleagues to resign rather than strike , according to tut.by .
One of the protesters said Belteleradio employees would continue striking and defy Eismont ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the same report .
Around 55 out of Belteleradio ’ s 1,500 employees have signed a petition calling for the nullification of the election results and an end to media censorship , tut.by reported .
Belarus ’ state-owned All-National TV ( ONT ) and Capital TV ( CTV ) stations have also declared plans to strike , it added .
Lukashenko ’ s main challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and her supporters dispute his claim of an 80 % victory in the Aug. 9 vote .
Thousands took to the streets of the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week to protest the election results , including more than 100,000 who gathered Sunday .
State broadcasters , a major source of news in Belarus ’ tightly controlled media environment , had initially aired footage of last week ’ s violent crackdown on the election protests to blame demonstrators and warn people not to participate .
Belarus 1 covered anti-Lukashenko protests on Sunday for the first time since the disputed election after previously characterizing them as “ riots.
” Lukashenko defied calls to step down at a rally in his support earlier that @ @

Belarusian state television and radio workers walked off the job Monday, becoming the latest public employees to support the opposition in calling for new elections after last week's official results showed a landslide victory for strongman President Alexander Lukashenko. The unprecedented show of resistance comes after several state television presenters resigned last week in protest against the government’s harsh crackdown on peaceful opposition demonstrators.
Guess this means that Belarusian state TV is back on strike. pic.twitter.com/2qZDQJynyO — Oliver Carroll (@olliecarroll) August 17, 2020
Around 100 Belteleradio camera operators, directors and recent resignees have gathered outside the broadcaster’s headquarters in Minsk, the independent tut.by news outlet reported. The journalists are demanding that the authorities invalidate the Aug. 9 presidential election results, release political prisoners and abolish censorship in the media. Belteleradio’s Belarus 1 television channel broadcast reruns of Sunday’s news for at least two hours during the workers’ strike, the Russian state-run TASS news agency reported Monday. Employees who agreed to meet Belteleradio chairman Ivan Eismont inside the office said he urged their disgruntled colleagues to resign rather than strike, according to tut.by. One of the protesters said Belteleradio employees would continue striking and defy Eismont’s calls for them to quit, according to the same report.