For the so-called “last dictator in Europe,” August may mark the last month of his reign. On Sunday, Belarus–overseen for over a quarter-century by a brutal imbecile named Alexander Lukashenko–hosted its latest version of could loosely be called an “election.” These ersatz plebiscites have long been perfunctory functions which typically end in Lukashenko gaining yet another term in office, the better to continue smothering the independent press, peaceful protesters, and opposition figures alike. Since ascending to the presidency in 1994, Lukashenko, an unreconstructed Soviet man if there ever was one, has largely succeeded in cementing his power in Minsk, and …read more
Source:: The New Republic
