Protests in Belarus: first the election, then the violence

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Belarus on the night after the presidential election. Protests against election manipulation have led to serious riots between demonstrators and police officers.

According to human rights activists, more than 1,300 opposition supporters were arrested in the months leading up to the election. More arrests followed during the night, the human rights organization Wesna spoke of more than 50.

According to official information, there were no injuries. But the pictures from the capital Minsk show: This representation is wrong. According to human rights organizations, one person is said to have even died.

Ivan, Belarusian protester: "This is what elections in Belarus look like."

The election commission has meanwhile declared incumbent Alexander Lukashenko the clear winner. Around 80 percent of the voters are said to have voted for the 65-year-old. The opposition candidate Svetlana Tichanowskaja received almost ten percent of the vote. She has already announced that she will not recognize the defeat. And she was combative.

Svetlana Tichanovskaya, Belarusian presidential candidate: "I believe that we have already won because we have conquered our fear, our indifference to politics, our indifference. Such victories are more important than any other. They are very important victories in everyone's life People."

Election observers speak of massive manipulation before and during the vote. Candidates were excluded, the media prevented from doing their work, the Internet restricted, and then the many arrests. The anger of many Belarusians was correspondingly great - although here and there wrapped in irony.

Mikhail, Belarusian protester:
" Look! These are Lukashenko's gifts. Here they come. We are grateful to our President. We are allowed to walk, ride bikes, line up. Freedom is everywhere!"

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets. They were dissatisfied even before the election - because of the poor economic situation, the violation of human rights and Lukashenko's handling of the corona crisis. He called the disease "psychosis" and suggested vodka and ice hockey as antidotes. Lukashenko has been dictatorial in Belarus for 26 years.

The riots calmed down by morning. But the opposition has already announced new protests.