In a show of force Belarus police started large-scale anti-riot exercises this week; the timing is linked to the upcoming Jan-2025 presidential race. Alexander Lukashenko – whos been in power since mid-90s – plans to keep his position for a seventh time
The nation-wide training program (designed to demonstrate police readiness) focuses on blocking any form of public dissent. Ivan Kubrakov the Interior Minister laid-out the main goals: preventing extremism terrorism and stopping citizen involvement in non-permitted activities
The exercises – which include riot-control tactics and crowd management – send a clear message to potential protesters. Law-enforcement units are practicing:
- Street-blockade methods
- Crowd dispersal techniques
- Response to unauthorized gatherings
- Mass-disorder prevention
These pre-election preparations show how Belarus authorities want to keep tight control over the political landscape. The police forces dont leave any room for spontaneous public reactions during the voting period