Belarus, One Week of Election Protest... "Opposition Condemns Electoral Fraud"

Opposition Demands Re-Election
7,000 Protesters Arrested, 2 Lives Lost

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] It has been a week since the presidential election ended, but protests against the presidential election results continue in Belarus. President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years, won the election, but the opposition and civil society are demanding a re-election, claiming the results were a large-scale rigged election.

Citizens holding the former Belarus flag attend the funeral of Alexander Taraikovsky [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to foreign media on the 15th (local time), rallies protesting election fraud were held in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and other major cities. During this protest, the funeral of Aleksandr Taraikovsky, who died during the demonstration on the 10th, was also held.

Belarusian police stated that Taraikovsky died when an explosive device he was trying to throw at the police detonated. However, the bereaved family has raised objections, saying there are wounds that appear to be gunshot wounds.

After this presidential election, it is reported that about 7,000 citizens were arrested and 2 people lost their lives.

The opposition and others claim that the election results are due to large-scale election fraud. According to the official count, President Lukashenko won a landslide victory with over 80% of the vote in the election held on the 9th, but public sentiment tells a different story.

President Lukashenko has repeatedly stated his intention to maintain power.

Known as a pro-Russian figure, President Lukashenko also disclosed that he had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the day. Lukashenko said, "Russia will help with Belarus's security," and added, "Putin and I agreed that there will be comprehensive support to guarantee Belarus's security."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.