Belarus Presidential Elections | Show Description
In December 2010 presidential elections were held in Belarus. The public had high hopes for fair election that would lead to a change of the current leader - president Alexander Lukashenko, who rules the country for 16 years. About 40000 people came out on the streets of Minsk. The peace rally was brutally suppressed by the army and riot police: about 700 people were detained, many of them were in need of medical care. Protesters were sentenced to 10-15 days in prison. Activists and ex-presidential candidates were charged with a more serious accusation -- they may spend up to 15 years in prison. At this moment they convicted on the criminal case upon Article 293 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, 'mass riot' for up to 6 years in prison.
One of the democratic activists works 24 hours in his tent – collecting signatures in order to nominate Vladimir Nekliaev to be one of the candidates in the presidential elections. Minsk, Belarus, 19.10.2010
A man makes agitation materials for the candidate he supports at his place. State publishing houses are afraid to produce such materials for opposition candidates. Minsk, Belarus, 23.10.2010
Two presidential candidates Vladimir Nekliaev and Andrei Sannikov during the meeting with their supporters. They decided to join forces to defeat their main opposition Alexander Lukashenko. Minsk, Belarus, 06.12.2010
The protesters gathered by the Parliament Building and demand to call the presidential elections illegitimate. Approximately 40000 people participated in the protest rally. Minsk, Belarus, 19.12.2010
A man standing on the portrait of the the current president Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting held by his opposing candidates. Minsk, Belarus, 06.12.2010
A former police officer tries to convince riot police not to use force against protesters. A few minutes ago he was hurt in an encounter with the riot police. Minsk, Belarus, 19.12.2010
Riot police is pushing off the protesters from the Parliament building, where the central election commission counts the votes. Minsk, Belarus, 19.12.2010
A woman was injured during a protest against the falsification of the presidential elections in Belarus. She is being helped by other protesters. Many of the demonstrators needed medical services after the harsh and violent reaction of the riot police. Minsk, Belarus, 19.12.2010
About 700 protesters were arrested by the police and KGB. Their friends and family try to find out any information about them, including their location by checking the lists hung out on the door of the Pre-trial Detention Center. Minsk, Belarus, 21.12.2010
Belorussians express their solidarity with the imprisoned by collecting first-necessities for them. People bring toilet paper, soap, medicines and warm clothes to the office of the Belarusian Peoples’ Front party, who coordinated support for the imprisoned. Minsk, Belarus, 22.12.2010
A man shows victory sign from behind the window of the prison. Protesters were sentenced to 10-15 days in prison. As organizers of the protest rally 7 ex-presidential candidates are charged with a serious accusation – they may spend the following 15 years in prison. Minsk, Belarus, 28.12.2010