KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Belarus’ authoritarian leader on Thursday reshuffled his top lieutenants in an apparent attempt to strengthen his rule amid weeks of protests pushing for his resignation.
President Alexander Lukashenko promoted Valery Vakulchik, who led the state security agency that still goes under the Soviet-era name of KGB, to be the secretary of the presidential Security Council. He replaced Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who previously served as head of the State Control Committee.
Observers see the appointments as an attempt by Lukashenko to tighten control.
“It’s part of a clear trend toward the strengthening of the police state,” said Alexander Klaskousky, …read more
Source:: KXAN
