Belarus, like most other countries in the world, has been hit by the coronavirus. However, unlike most other countries, leadership hasn't really taken many measures to slow the spread of this deadly virus.
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The country has reported 67,518 cases with 548 deaths so far, with a population of 9,449,077. Which may not seem to be so many, but the numbers could have been very different if the countries leadership had actually chosen to do something about it.
For the past 26 years, Alexander Lukashenko, considered to be 'Europe's last dictator' by some, has ruled over the country with an Iron Fist. Even going as far as to imprison those who might challenge his claim to power.
Public frustration finally erupted in the form of protests by some of the population looking to overthrow the seasoned leader. Tension has been rising due to his handling of the coronavirus. Lukashenko's initial response to the outbreak was that people should 'drink vodka' and 'go to saunas' to fight COVID-19.
It was recently revealed that he had contracted the virus himself and had overcome it. In a statement, he was quoted as saying:
Today you are meeting a man who managed to survive the coronavirus on his feet. This is what doctors concluded yesterday. Asymptomatic.
Protesters have rallied behind the one of the wives of a jailed former potical rival of Lukashenko's, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who is now campaigning in her husbands place.
According to human rights groups the government has detained over 1,100 people as a result of the protests. Keep fighting for change!
