Another Sunday, another big opposition demonstration planned in Minsk this afternoon. Ahead of it, Lukashenko sent a large column of military vehicles and anti-riot trucks into the city. Earlier in the week he implied he was ready to crush protesters.
Do follow @HannaLiubakova who is in Minsk and reporting on events. She has a good thread here about the mood of Belarusians as they prepare for what could be a decisive protest.
Ominous sign. In a courtyard in central Minsk, Belarusian riot police appear to be gearing up for this afternoon’s opposition protest.
Live stream of the opposition demonstration, “March for a new Belarus,” underway in Minsk right now.
Very worrying. The Belarusian Defense Minister is openly threating protesters today, saying if things get out of hand in Minsk that they’ll not have to deal with riot police, they’ll have to face the army.
Massive crowd of many 1,000s now on Minsk’s Independence Square. People defying Lukashenko and his security forces and turning out despite threats of a crackdown all week. Incredible.
