Belarus tightens grip: Mass detentions shake local communities before elections
Belarus security forces detained over 100 people from residential chat groups ahead of next years presidential vote. Human-rights watchers report growing pressure on local communities
In a pre-election crackdown‚ Belarus law-enforcement started mass-detentions of citizens who participate in neighborhood online chats. The human-rights center Viasna reports that since last thursday more than 100 people got arrested across the country
The sweep targets common residents who joined building-to-building chat rooms (which became popular during covid-19 lockdowns) to discuss day-to-day issues. These actions come as Alexander Lukashenko – whos been running Belarus since mid-90s – prepares for another presidential race in january
The current wave of arrests shows how authorities try to control even basic communication between neighbors: any group chat is now seen as potential threat to state security. Local police departments dont explain reasons for most detentions‚ while some arrested people face administrative charges
The timing isnt random – with elections approaching next year officials aim to prevent formation of grass-roots communities that could become centers of political activity. Lukashenkoʼs government uses various methods to maintain control; from monitoring social media to putting pressure on residential management companies
