What's going on in Belarus?

Belarus got its independence when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. It was ran by the head of its Supreme Soviet, Stanistali Susgkievit. In 1994, Belarus held its first presidential elections and Alexander Lukashenko was elected as president of Belarus. When he was elected in 1994, he held a referendum in 1995. This gave the president more power over parliament. It forged closer economic links with Russia and made the Russian language equally important as the Belarusian language.

Lukashenko is known as Europe’s last dictator for the following reasons:

• The secret police routinely check on Belarusians every night and throughout the night to deprive them of sleep and He has his opponents put them in a constant state of paranoia.
• He has his opponents arrested and protesters are not safe from his grasp.
• The death penalty is still practiced in Belarus with 4 people being executed in 2016. 
• He can have anyone who insults him in jail for five years.
• A Belarusian has to get political approval to change careers and if hey are unemployed, they have to pay an annual fee for not working enough. 

The elections and referenda have been described as improper and unfair by international observer. Lukashenko generally wins around 80% of the vote, even though there are widespread protests and dissatisfaction. He is unpopular but Lukashenko is seemingly impossible to get rid of. Lukashenko extended two terms he was allowed and is now beginning his sixth term following the most recent elections. That is why Belarusians have to come out into the streets and protest.