Belarus President Lukashenko brings teenage son to frontline as protests intensify

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko takes his 16-year-old son Nikolai to protest as people continue to demand his downfall over an alleged rigged election.

According to Telegraph, far-son duo appeared in military outfits carrying, what appeared to be AK-47s and posed for cameras as protesters demonstrated nearby. Lukashenko and his son Nikolai, who is presumed to succeed his far as President of Belarus, reportedly landed in Minsk from a helicopter near ir residence and posed with assault rifles for a photo-op. 

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According to reports, Lukashenko after show of strength told press, "y (over 1,00,000 protesters) have run away like rats." Lukashenko's gimmick was to indicate that he will t go down without a fight, suggested reports.

Protestors are demanding Lukashenko's resignation, free and fair election, and an end of state-sponsored violence. People in large numbers have taken to streets to protest against outcome of recently concluded election, following which Lukashenko ordered a crackdown on demonstrators. One protestor reportedly died in clashes between police and protesters, while over 7,000 have been arrested so far. 

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Lukashenko on August 10 secured a record sixth term as country's president after authorities anunced preliminary results in which 65-year-old former Soviet Army member allegedly secured over 80 percent of total votes polled. Opposition leers, including main challenger Svetlana Tikhavskaya, deunced result, calling it a rigged election.

Svetlana Tikhavskaya fled country for Lithuania on August 11, fearing that she or her family could be harmed. 37-year-old leer has been issuing video statements from Lithuania, demanding Belarusian authorities to accept ir wrongdoings and to join hands with opposition in order to eve punishment in future.

International condemnation 

European Union and United States have also expressed concerns over recent developments in Belarus and have called on Lukashenko to respect rights of Belarusian people.

Foreign ministers of European Union also held a meeting regarding this issue and also discussed possible sanctions against Lukashenko. Meanwhile, last dictator of Europe has also mand to garner some international support as Russian President Vlimir Putin has reportedly extended support to authoritarian leer. 

(Im Credit: AP)

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