Lukashenko: They Will Crawl Out Like Rats

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stated that the opposition will not allow for a peaceful existence. “I am a realist. Listen to me, they will not let us live peacefully. Even if they calm down now, they will crawl out of their nests like rats after some time. They are already being led by foreigners,” Lukashenko said during a rally for his supporters, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Lukashenko further emphasized that the opposition must take into account the opinion of the majority. According to him, “the violence in the streets of Belarus was not born from the authorities, but from their opponents.”

The Belarusian leader warned his opponents not to harm journalists from state media and their families, stating, “if something happens, the violators will face full accountability.” He also called for not harming teachers who are preparing for school, as well as doctors who are treating COVID-19 patients.

It is worth noting that a rally of Lukashenko's supporters recently concluded in Minsk, where the president reiterated that there would be no repeat presidential elections. Citizens dissatisfied with the results of the elections held on August 9 have been taking to the streets daily to express their protests. According to the data published by the Central Election Commission, the current president Alexander Lukashenko received more than 80 percent of the votes, while the opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received 10 percent.