But not in #Belarus. Although the police has been using excessive force against protesters, and there are evidences of the torture of protestors in prison, the people of Belarus remained calm, but determined. Especially brave, since public gatherings have been banned in Belarus since 2011. It is also admirable the care people take of public property, even picking up garbage after the protests.
The second thing worth noting is that all these people contesting the results
of the latest presidential elections did not give into the pressure to lean one
way or another. They are not protesting for the West or against Russia; it
hasn’t become politicized. There aren’t any EU flags at the protests after the
elections (very different from Ukraine a few years ago); they are carrying the
white-red-white flag which people see as the real flag of Belarus.
The people in the streets of Belarus are committed to their country and its
prosperity. They demand new and fair elections. They are a wonderful example of
a democratic exercise, even in an authoritarian-run country. We can learn a lot
from them.
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