Authorities in Belarus said on Wednesday that they had conducted dozens of raids to target those who are suspected of engaging in "extremist" activities. These raids are part of increased efforts by the political opposition to establish "people's embassies" in other countries.
The latest raids are part of the government's ongoing efforts to put down any form of disagreement under the leadership of President Alexander Lukashenko. The Investigative Committee of Belarus, a prominent state criminal investigation agency, has conducted searches in the apartments and offices of individuals believed to be involved.
'People's Embassies' Amid Belarus Crackdown
A global network of "people's embassies" will be built by the opposition in 24 nations. These embassies push to advocate for the opposition's interests and counter the narrative promoted by the Belarusian state, especially in European Union member states, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
The Belarusian authorities have responded quickly to the initiative. The spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, Siarhei Kabakovich, strongly criticized the establishment of these "people's embassies," alleging that those involved are engaging in information campaigns with the objective of damaging the country's reputation and undermining diplomatic channels.
Kabakovich specified the possible dangers associated with these actions, and established the possible repercussions, such as being charged with involvement in extremist activities, which could pose a threat to national security.
The Investigative Committee revealed that over 100 Belarusians allegedly involved in establishing these embassies could face prosecution, with potential prison sentences of up to seven years and asset confiscation looming over them, according to Fox News.
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Belarus Alarming Convictions
Authorities have taken down critics since the divisive August 2020 presidential election, which gave President Alexander Lukashenko a fifth term and provoked massive protests. Over 35,000 people have been taken into control, while a number civil society groups and independent media organizations have had to close down.
According to a new report, there have been a substantial amount of convictions on imposes that are thought to be politically motivated.
The figures provided by the human rights group Viasna are quite alarming, with at least 4,690 such convictions. In Belarus, the current situation is undeniably dire, with more than 1,400 people, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, being held in detention as political prisoners.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled opposition leader, attacked the recent raids on opposition activists, suggesting that they reflect Lukashenko's lack of belief. Tsikhanouskaya claimed that the increased crackdown is a result of Lukashenko's apprehension towards the rising global backing for the opposition's movement.
Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press that the continued surge of searches, arrests, and trials indicates the regime's eagerness to crush criticism. She focused on this aspect in her remarks.
Tsikhanouskaya offered hope in the diaspora, underlining the potential for persons residing away from Belarus to serve as "people's ambassadors" pushing for the democratic future of Belarus. The support was given in spite of the challenges that Belarusians are currently facing, ABC News reported.
