Three Years After the Rigged Elections: Is Belarus Changed Forever?

Description

In August 2020, unrest broke out in Belarus after the nation’s strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko proclaimed himself the winner of the presidential elections – elections which, according to a general consensus, were almost certainly a thoroughly rigged political spectacle orchestrated by the regime. What followed was a nationwide outburst of defiance as crowds of ordinary people took to the streets to defend their freedom. Yet with little practical support from the outside world, these brave Belarusians soon faced intense and violent repressions as the regime tried to stamp out the protests. Three years on, the consequences of these events are more apparent than ever. How did the suppression of the protest change the situation in Belarus and beyond?