2020 in Belarus explained

Events in the year 2020 in Belarus.

Incumbents

• President: Alexander Lukashenko
• Prime Minister: Syarhey Rumas, Roman Golovchenko

Events

Ongoing – 2020-2021 Belarusian protests; COVID-19 pandemic in Belarus

February

• 14 February
  • Belarus threatens to take oil from the Druzhba pipeline which carries Russian oil to central Europe across its territory, if Russia does not supply it with the required volumes of crude oil. Russian oil supplies to Belarus have not been agreed for 2020 and shipments have dwindled to 500,000 tonnes, down from a planned 2 million tonnes.^[1]
  • Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says Moscow hinted at an energy supply deal in exchange for Belarus merging with Russia, which caused talks to collapse.^[2]
• 28 February – The first case of COVID-19 in the country was registered in Minsk.^[3] The individual, a student from Iran who had tested positive on 27 February, had arrived to the country via a flight from Baku, Azerbaijan, on 22 February.^{[4] [5] [6]}

March

• 31 March – The first COVID-19 death in the country is reported by the media: a 75-year-old patient in Vitebsk who had suffered from a chronic pulmonary disease.^{[7] [8] [9]} Later that day, the death is confirmed by the Ministry of Health.^[10]

April

• 9 April – A mandatory 14-day self-isolation requirement was issued for foreigners and citizens with either confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, or the status of first or second level contact. The penalties for breaking the requirement include administrative detention, fines and imprisonment.^[11]
• 20 April – Schools in the country reopen, but authorities say that parents are allowed to keep their children at home despite lifting of restrictions.^[12]

May

• 9 May – The country received 100,000 rapid diagnostic COVID-19 tests from China to help combat the pandemic in the country, with another batch expected to be delivered in the coming week.^[13]

June

• 19 June – President Alexander Lukashenko announces that he has foiled a coup attempt, resulting in the arrest of main opposition rival Viktar Babaryka. He later states that Viktar Babaryka may be arrested for possible financial crimes.^{[14] [15]}
• 20 June – Internet access is interrupted and hundreds are detained after mass protests break out in Belarus over the arrest of opposition candidate Viktar Babaryka, including reporters from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.^[16]

July

• 14 July – The Belarusian election commission bars two prominent opposition candidates to current President Alexander Lukashenko from running in the election, ensuring a victory for Lukashenko. The barred candidates are Viktar Babaryka who was disqualified for an open criminal case against him and Valery Tsepkalo whose signatures on a supporting petition were nullified.^[17]
• 24 July – Prominent opposition leader Valery Tsepkalo and his two sons flee to Russia after being barred from running in the election and alleged threats of prosecution by the prosecutor's office, which declined to comment on Tsepkalo's escape.^[18]
• 29 July – Belarusian security forces arrest 32 members of the private military company Wagner Group at a sanitarium near Minsk in an overnight raid. All those detained are Russian nationals, according to authorities. President Alexander Lukashenko convenes an emergency meeting with his security council, and instructs the Chairman of the State Security Committee to ask Russia for an official explanation.^[19]

August

• 6 August – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says security forces have arrested "a number of" U.S. citizens, just days before the country goes to the polls for a presidential election. In the speech, Lukashenko claims Belarus is the victim of a "hybrid war", and that "we should expect dirty tricks from any side".^[20]
• 8 August – On the eve of a presidential election, Belarusian security forces arrest Maria Moroz, the campaign manager of leading opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and three Open Russia activists who traveled to Belarus to "observe Sunday's presidential election".^[21]
• 9 August
  • Citizens of Belarus vote to elect the country's president. Long-ruling Alexander Lukashenko is challenged by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya after her husband and pro-democracy activist Siarhei Tsikhanouski was jailed and banned from the vote like other prominent opposition figures. Protesters and journalists were also detained in the weeks leading to the election.^[22]
  • A state television exit poll shows President Alexander Lukashenko winning 79.7% of the vote. These results have been dismissed by the main opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who criticized them has "massively rigged".^{[23] [24]}
  • Lukashenko, in power since 1994, declares a landslide victory against the opposition, as riot police clash with protesters in the capital Minsk. Protests in reaction to the disputed results have been reported in at least 20 other Belarusian cities. Fifty civilians and thirty-nine police officers were injured, while at least 3,000 protesters are arrested across the country, one-third of them in Minsk.^{[25] [26]}
  • A police van in Minsk rams a group of protesters, hitting one of them. The condition of the victim is unknown, with reports of his death not confirmed.^[27]
  • NetBlocks reports that the internet has been "significantly disrupted" in Belarus, with a near total blackout in Minsk.^[28]
• 10 August
  • During the second day of protests across Belarus, police fire rubber bullets to disperse protesters in the capital Minsk, wounding a journalist. About 30 people are arrested in the city; some protestors were beaten by police.^[29]
  • A protester in Minsk is killed after an explosive device blows up in his hands while he tried to throw it. It is the first death during the protests.^[30]
• 11 August – Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya flees Belarus to her family in Lithuania, according to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Antanas Linkevičius. Tsikhanouskaya had gone into hiding after the disputed election, which she accuses President Alexander Lukashenko of rigging.^[31]
• 12 August – Lithuania allows "unrestricted entry" to all Belarusians "for humanitarian purposes" amid anti-government protests and political repression in neighbouring Belarus. Existing COVID-19 restrictions will not apply to Belarusians.^[32]
• 13 August
  • A 25-year-old man from the city of Gomel becomes the second protester killed since protests in Belarus against the government began. He died while in police custody, according to his family.^[33]
  • The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet condemns the use of violence by Belarusian authorities against protesters, and calls for the release of all political prisoners in the country.^[34]
  • Belarusian women form human chains to condemn a crackdown on protests over the disputed election.^[35]
  • Factory workers from state-run factories joined the protest. Tens of thousands of people protested for the fifth day in a row against the election results. The protesters marched through Minsk and formed human chains.^[36]
• 14 August
  • Lithuania becomes the first EU state to openly reject the legitimacy of Alexander Lukashenko as President of Belarus. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda says "We can not call Mister Lukashenko legitimate because there were no free democratic elections in Belarus".^[37]
  • Amnesty International says "widespread torture" is taking place inside detention centres in Belarus, with more than 6,700 people detained since protests against Lukashenko broke out following the disputed presidential election result. Amnesty International says detainees described being stripped naked, beaten and threatened with rape. The BBC also reports evidence of torture, including at the Okrestina detention centre in Minsk.^{[38] [39]}
• 15 August
  • The leaders of the Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, issue a joint statement calling on Belarus to hold a new "free and fair" election with international observers.^[40]
  • President Alexander Lukashenko issues an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin as he considers the protests "not a threat to just Belarus anymore". Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to the Union State between the two countries. Meanwhile, opposition candidate leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who is exiled in Lithuania, calls for more protests.^[41]
• 16 August
  • Russia says it is "ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact if necessary" as opposition leader in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls for a massive march.^[42]
  • Tens of thousands protest in the Belarusian capital Minsk calling for President Alexander Lukashenko to step down. It is believed to be the largest protest in Belarusian history.^[43]
  • In a defiant speech, Alexander Lukashenko addresses supporters in Independence Square, Minsk, where he claims Belarus would "die as a state" if new elections were held, and accuses NATO of "massing on the border". Opposition critics say most of those at the rally were coerced into attending and had been bussed in from other parts of the country.^[44]
  • The Belarusian Ambassador to Slovakia, Igor Leshchenya, defects to the opposition after posting a video declaring his support for the protests.^[45]
• 17 August
  • British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab issues a statement that the United Kingdom does not recognize the results of the Belarusian presidential election, which saw President Alexander Lukashenko re-elected. Raab calls the election "fraudulent" and demands an independent investigation into the results.^[46]
  • Ukraine recalls its Ambassador to Belarus to assess "the new reality" and prospects of further bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.^[47]
  • President Alexander Lukashenko says he is "ready to share power in Belarus, although not under pressure from the streets". Meanwhile, opposition leader in-exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urges security forces to defect to her side and says she is prepared to lead the country.^[48]
  • Addressing workers at a truck factory, Lukashenko states that there will be no fresh elections "until you kill me", he warns. He urges people to let people who want to work to work amid a general strike. He is booed and jeered by the crowd.^{[49] [50]}
  • The Belarusian state media National State Television and Radio Company of Belarus headquarters in Minsk is reportedly emptied after staff members walked out and joined the general strike. State television is still on air but only showing an empty studio with music playing in the background.^[51]
• 18 August – Lithuanian MPs approve economic sanctions against Belarus over the contested presidential elections. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius says Lithuania is "sending a strong message to the world" and refuses to recognize Alexander Lukashenko as President.^[52]
• 19 August
  • The European Union formally rejects the result of the latest presidential election in Belarus, which saw Alexander Lukashenko re-elected with over 80% of the vote. The European Commission announces it will reroute €53 million away from the Belarusian government to civil society.^[53]
  • President Alexander Lukashenko says he has ordered security forces to "end the unrest" in Minsk, saying "People are tired. People demand peace and quiet", while also warning that state workers who joined a general strike will not be given their jobs back, and will instead be "replaced by Russians".^[54]
• 23 August
  • Tens of thousands rally in Independence Square, Minsk, calling for President Alexander Lukashenko to step down, despite a police ban on protests in the capital.^[55]
  • The Ministry of Defence describes anti-Lukashenko protesters as "fascists", and says the army will take over the protection of war memorials from local police forces.^[56]
  • Footage shows Alexander Lukashenko departing a military helicopter outside the Independence Palace in Minsk, brandishing an assault rifle and wearing a bullet-proof vest. He then greeted a cordon of security forces guarding the palace. He was accompanied by his son Nikolai Lukashenko. In another video, Lukashenko can be heard saying "They’ve run away like rats", while observing a protest in his helicopter.^[57]
• 24 August – The Coordinating Council of the Belarusian opposition report that two of its members, Sergei Dylevsky and Olga Kovalkova, have been detained by police in Minsk.^[58]
• 27 August – Police in Belarus arrest 20 journalists who were planning to cover a protest in Minsk and confiscated their telephones and identity documents. The interior ministry later said that the journalists had been driven to the police station to check they had valid accreditation allowing them to work as journalists.^[59]

September

• 23 September – Spontaneous protests broke out in Minsk after an unannounced inauguration ceremony of President Alexander Lukashenko took place. Authorities fired tear gas, deployed water cannons and arrested more than 150 protesters from the gathering.^[60]

Deaths

• 23 March – Pyotr Lysenko, archaeologist (b. 1931).^[61]
• 31 March – Viktar Dashkevich, stage actor (b. 1945).^[62]
• 17 May – Yuri Zisser, web services executive, founder and owner of Tut.By (b. 1960).^[63]
• 2 June – Henadz Mardas, footballer (b. 1970).^[64]
• 10 August – Alexander Taraikovsky, protester (b. 1986).^[65]

See also

• List of years in Belarus
• 2020 in Belarus
• 2020 in Belarusian sport

Notes and References

1. News: 2020-02-14. Belarus to Russia: We'll siphon off your transit oil to Europe if necessary. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
2. News: 2020-02-14. Russia hints at Belarus joining it in a unified state in exchange for oil deal: Lukashenko. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
3. News: 2020-02-28. Belarus announces first case of coronavirus: TASS. en. Reuters. 2020-06-19.
4. News: 28 February 2020. Belarus announces first case of coronavirus: TASS. en. Reuters. 4 March 2020.
5. Web site: У Беларусі зарэгістраваны завазны выпадак каронавіруса. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20200228081550/http://minzdrav.gov.by/sobytiya/v-belarusi-zaregistrirovan-zavoznoy-sluchay-koronavirusa/. 28 February 2020. 4 March 2020. minzdrav.gov.by. ru.
6. Web site: Four Lawmakers In Iran Test Positive As Coronavirus Forces Cancellation Of Friday Prayers. 4 March 2020. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. en.
7. News: 31 March 2020. В Витебске умер больной с подтвержденным коронавирусом. ru. tut.by. 31 March 2020. 8 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200408182757/https://news.tut.by/society/678557.html. dead.
8. News: 31 March 2020. В Беларуси умер первый человек с коронавирусом. Официального подтверждения пока нет. ru. Onliner.by. 31 March 2020.
9. News: 31 March 2020. "У него было хроническое заболевание легких". Коллеги умершего от коронавируса заслуженного артиста рассказывают о нем. ru. Onliner.by. 31 March 2020.
10. Web site: 31 March 2020. О ситуации с COVID-19 в Беларуси. 31 March 2020. minzdrav.gov.by. ru.
11. Web site: 2020-04-09. Власти пояснили, кого отправят на самоизоляцию. Нарушителям грозит штраф и ответственность, вплоть до уголовной. 2020-06-19. TUT.BY. ru. 2020-07-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20200728225518/https://news.tut.by/society/679921.html. dead.
12. Web site: Belarus reopens schools as leader rejects 'coronapsychosis'. 2020-08-21. ABC News. en.
13. News: 11 May 2020. Belarus receives 100,000 COVID-19 rapid tests. Belarusian Telegraph Agency. 12 May 2020.
14. Web site: AFP. Tatiana Kalinovskaya for. 2020-06-19. Belarus Leader's Election Rival Detained as Crackdown Intensifies. 2020-06-19. The Moscow Times. en.
15. Web site: AFP. Tatiana Kalinovskaya for. 2020-06-19. Belarus Leader's Election Rival Detained as Crackdown Intensifies. 2020-08-21. The Moscow Times. en.
16. Web site: More Than 100 Opposition Supporters Held In Belarus As Crackdown Widens. 2020-08-21. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. en.
17. News: 2020-07-14. Hundreds protest in Belarus after two main challengers barred from election ballot. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
18. News: 2020-07-24. Belarus opposition leader flees abroad with two sons ahead of election. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
19. Web site: Minsk. Associated Press in. 2020-07-29. Belarus says Russian mercenaries arrested ahead of presidential election. 2020-08-21. the Guardian. en.
20. News: 2020-08-06. Opposition floods Belarus capital as president hits out at foreign 'dirty tricks'. en. Reuters. https://web.archive.org/web/20200806231315/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-belarus-election-idUKKCN2521LK. dead. August 6, 2020. 2020-08-21.
21. Web site: Welle (www.dw.com). Deutsche. Belarus: Police arrest activists, journalists ahead of vote DW 08.08.2020. 2020-08-21. DW.COM. en-GB.
22. Web site: Welle (www.dw.com). Deutsche. Lukashenko wins Belarus presidential vote, according to official exit poll DW 09.08.2020. 2020-08-21. DW.COM. en-GB.
23. News: 2020-08-09. Belarus leader set to claim another election win. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
24. News: Roth. Andrew. 2020-08-11. Belarus opposition candidate rejects election result after night of protests. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-08-21. 0261-3077.
25. News: 2020-08-10. Clashes erupt after disputed Belarus election. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
26. News: Moscow. Yan Auseyushkin Andrew Roth in. 2020-08-10. Belarus election: Lukashenko's claim of landslide victory sparks widespread protests. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-08-21. 0261-3077.
27. Web site: Rendőrségi kamion hajtott a tüntetők közé Minszkben Mandiner. 2020-08-21. mandiner.hu. hu.
28. Web site: 2020-08-09. Internet disruption hits Belarus on election day. 2020-08-21. NetBlocks. en-US.
29. News: 2020-08-10. Belarus opposition disputes leader's landslide win. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
30. News: 2020-08-10. One Belarusian protester dies after explosive device blows up in his hands - police. en. Reuters. https://web.archive.org/web/20200913092910/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-belarus-election-death-idUKKCN2562M4. dead. September 13, 2020. 2020-08-21.
31. News: 2020-08-12. New clashes as opposition leader flees Belarus citing children's safety. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
32. Web site: Lithuania allows unrestricted entry to Belarusians 'for humanitarian purposes'. 2020-08-21. www.baltictimes.com.
33. News: Roth. Andrew. 2020-08-13. Belarus protests: 25-year-old man dies in police custody. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-08-21. 0261-3077.
34. News: 2020-08-13. Second Belarus protester dies as UN sounds alarm. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
35. News: 2020-08-13. Women form 'solidarity chains' in Belarus protests. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
36. News: 2020-08-14. 'We don't need war': Belarus releases detainees in bid to quell protests. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
37. Web site: Lithuanian Leader Says Lukashenko Lost Legitimacy As Belarusian President. 2020-08-21. UrduPoint. en.
38. Web site: Mary Ilyushina and Frederik Pleitgen. Belarusians accuse authorities of torture and humiliation during mass detentions. 2020-08-21. CNN. 14 August 2020 .
39. News: 2020-08-14. 'Widespread torture' against Belarus protesters. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
40. Web site: Baltic States Urge New Election In Belarus, Call For EU Sanctions. 2020-08-21. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. en.
41. News: 2020-08-15. Battling protests, Lukashenko says Putin agreed to help security of Belarus. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
42. News: 2020-08-16. Protesters pack Belarus capital, Russia says military help available. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
43. News: Walker. Shaun. 2020-08-16. Tens of thousands gather in Minsk for biggest protest in Belarus history. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-08-21. 0261-3077.
44. Web site: Belarus: President Lukashenko claims NATO massing on border and denies election was rigged. 2020-08-21. Sky News. en.
45. Web site: 2020-08-16. Belarus ambassador declares solidarity with opposition protesters. https://web.archive.org/web/20200816164432/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/belarus-protests-ambassador-alexander-lukashenko-nasha-niva-slovakia-a9672771.html . 2020-08-16 . limited . live. 2020-08-21. The Independent. en.
46. Web site: hermesauto. 2020-08-17. UK 'does not accept' results of Belarus election: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. 2020-08-21. The Straits Times. en.
47. News: 2020-08-17. Ukraine recalls its ambassador to Belarus. en. Reuters. https://web.archive.org/web/20200819021019/https://in.reuters.com/article/belarus-election-ukraine-idINKCN25D1PU. dead. August 19, 2020. 2020-08-21.
48. News: 2020-08-17. 'I'm not a saint': Lukashenko offers to hand over power after referendum. en. Reuters. 2020-08-21.
49. Web site: Factory workers heckle and boo Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. 2020-08-21. Sky News. en.
50. Web site: Herszenhorn. Miles. 2020-08-17. Lukashenko booed by Belarusian workers. 2020-08-21. POLITICO.
51. Web site: Welle (www.dw.com). Deutsche. Belarus television broadcasts empty studio as state media joins general strike DW 17.08.2020. 2020-08-21. DW.COM. en-GB.
52. Web site: 2020-08-18. Lithuanian lawmakers vote for sanctions against Belarus. 2020-08-21. AP NEWS.
53. Web site: Belarus: EU imposes sanctions as Lukashenko orders police to clear the streets. 2020-08-21. Sky News. en.
54. News: 2020-08-19. Belarus leader orders clampdown on unrest. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-21.
55. News: 2020-08-23. Belarus opposition holds mass rally despite ban. en-GB. BBC News. 2020-08-27.
56. News: 2020-08-24. Belarusian protesters, defying army, flood Minsk. en. Reuters. 2020-08-27.
57. News: Walker. Shaun. 2020-08-23. Belarus: defiant protesters flood Minsk demanding Lukashenko's removal. en-GB. The Guardian. 2020-08-27. 0261-3077.
58. Web site: 2 Belarus opposition activists detained in the capital. 2020-08-27. ABC News. en.
59. Web site: Belarus detains journalists ahead of anti-gov't protest in Minsk. 2020-08-27. www.aljazeera.com.
60. Web site: Belarus: Water cannons disperse protesters denouncing Lukashenko's secret inauguration. 23 September 2020. EuroNews. 23 September 2020 .
61. Web site: правды». Сергей ТРЕФИЛОВ Сайт «Комсомольской. 2020-03-24. Умер археолог, открывший древнее Берестье и Туровский крест, который обещал восстановить президент. 2020-08-27. kp.by - Сайт «Комсомольской правды».
62. Web site: Умер заразившийся коронавирусом актер Виктор Дашкевич. 2020-08-27. Российская газета. 31 March 2020 .
63. Web site: 2020-05-17. Умер Юрий Зиссер. 2020-08-27. TUT.BY. ru. 2020-05-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20200518002839/https://news.tut.by/economics/682587.html. dead.
64. Web site: Из жизни ушел Геннадий Мардас…. 2020-08-27. fcbate.by. ru. 2020-06-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20200603082412/https://fcbate.by/ru/infocenter/club-news/id12383. dead.
65. Web site: Pitiot. Christophe. 2020-08-15. People of Minsk bid farewell to protester killed in Belarus unrest. 2020-08-27. euronews. en.