Belarus launches massive pre-election crackdown on families of dissidents
Police in Belarus detained more than 100 people connected to political inmates ahead of next years election. The nation-wide raids targeted friends and family members of those who oppose the government
In a wide-ranging operation across Belarus police detained over 100 people who have connections to political inmates (most of them being close relatives and friends). The raids which started on thursday targeted multiple cities and towns across the country
The arrests come as Alexander Lukashenko - who has controlled Belarus for about three decades - prepares for another election run. The long-time leader whos been in charge since mid-90s aims to get his seventh term during next januaryʼs vote
The nation-wide sweep shows how authorities continue their hard-line approach against any form of disagreement: the raids focused on people who maintain contact with already-jailed opposition members. Local rights group Viasna points out that these actions try to remove any remaining signs of non-government approved political activity
- Friends of detained activists
- Family members of prisoners
- Associates of opposition figures
The current wave of detentions marks another step in the governments systematic approach to control - targeting not just active opponents but also their support networks and loved ones
