Self-declared Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko is intensifying efforts to de-escalate protests and degrade protester will in the run-up to Oct. 25. Lukashenko set Oct. 25 as the deadline for submissions “from the people” of Belarusian constitutional amendments on Oct. 3. He likely seeks to use this amendment process to broker a pretend compromise with protesters to end the crisis without actually ceding power.
Protests in Belarus
OP-ED
George Barros: Lukashenko attempts to de-escalate protests
An opposition supporter wrapped in a former white-red-white flag of Belarus stands in front of law enforcement officers blocking the road during a demonstration called by the opposition movement for an end to the regime of authoritarian leader in Minsk on Sept. 20, 2020.