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Freedom Day protests, human rights violations, Iranian oil imports – world press digest

Over the past few weeks, the world media largely focused on the protests against the so-called 'social parasite' tax when covering Belarus. The government's reaction, which involved numerous arrests and brutal suppression, alarmed the West and international human rights...

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Photo: tvpress.ir

Over the past few weeks, the world media largely focused on the protests against the so-called 'social parasite' tax when covering Belarus. The government's reaction, which involved numerous arrests and brutal suppression, alarmed the West and international human rights organisations. They condemned the actions of security services and demanded the release of arrested demonstrators.

The press also took note of the changing dynamics in Belarusian-Russian relations and their implications for the West. The hike in Russian oil and gas prices, as well as the import ban on certain Belarusian agricultural exports, show that Belarus and Russia can no longer maintain the status quo in bilateral relations.

Belarus has begun importing oil from Iran and introduced a limited visa-free travel regime to reduce its economic dependance on Russia. Russia's response to potential political unrest in Belarus remains unpredictable, and is likely to have an effect on Russian-Western relations.

Domestic politics

'Social parasite' protests are brutally suppressed by security forces. BBC, Deutsche Welle, and Reuters covered the 'social parasite' protests, which culminated on March 25th as an unofficial 'Freedom Day' demonstration. The Belarusian authorities toughened their position and violently detained hundreds of people, including journalists and passersby. New York Times reported on protests in regional centres, which went without serious incidents. Meanwhile, Al-Jazeera highlighted the implications of the nationwide nature of the protests, proposing that Lukashenka appears to have lost support in provincial areas.

Human rights organisations report violations of protesters' rights. The Guardian reported on human rights organisations which are calling on the Belarusian government to release arrested writers and journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists estimated that at least 32 journalists were detained as of 3 March. Security forces detained several famous oppositional figures, such as historian Uladzimir Arloŭ, publisher Miraslaŭ Lazoŭski, and others. Whereas the Western media condemned the suppression of protests, Russia Today questioned the legitimacy of the demonstration, also stressing the fact that March 25, 'Freedom Day', was instituted under German occupation in 1918.

Lukashenka blames Western-backed 'fifth column' for plotting his overthrow. The international media quoted Lukashenka's blaming of a 'fifth column' for organising the protests. Deutsche Welle referred to Belarusian state television, which backed up Lukashenka’s claim by reporting on the discovery of weapons intended for use at the protest. The Russian Vesti news reported that dozens of professional fighters were detained. Lukashenka also claims that camps were established to train fighters in Belarus and Ukraine, with money coming from Lithuania and Poland. While Bloomberg media called such claims paranoia, Russian propaganda source Sputnik went along with Lukashenka’s theory, stating that the US organisation USAID is behind the protests.

International relations

Response from Russia expected should protests continue. In an attempt to predict the development of Russian-Belarusian relations, analysts in several media sources examined the recent Belarusian demonstrations. Bloomberg discussed Lukashenka’s desire for a rapprochement with the EU and mitigated economic dependency on Russia, which, according to the source, is caused by the president's fear of becoming the 'next Crimea'. New Belarusian visa regulations allowing citizens of 80 countries to visit Belarus visa-free for five days irked Moscow, which set up checkpoints on the Belarus-Russia border in response.

The LA Times interpreted Russia’s reaction to the visa decree, the rise in oil prices, and the ban on meat and dairy imports as clear signs of its unwillingness to tolerate Lukashenka's Westward turn. Politico magazine emphasised the West's unpreparedness for a regime change in Belarus, the unpredictability of Russia’s actions, and the possibility of its intervention. At the same time, Bloomberg suggested that Lukashenka’s accusations that Poland and Lithuania where involved in Belarusian protests might indicate a re-orientation in Belarusian politics back to Russia.

Response from Russia to Belarusian political change to shape Russian-Western relations. Forbes discussed the Belarusian protests, suggesting that political change is inevitable and is likely to affect Russian-Western relations. The nature of Belarusian political change, along with Russia’s and the West’s response, is likely to reshape politics in both places. If protests continue, forcing Lukashenka to leave, Russia will have to renegotiate its domination of Belarusian politics with a new government. To prevent the emergence of a pro-European leader, Russia might intervene to retain its position in Belarus.

On the other hand, given Russia's current military involvement in Eastern Ukraine and Syria, intervention in Belarus could come at an unpalatable financial cost. What's more, Russian involvement in Belarusian domestic affairs may lead to the first open confrontation between Putin and Trump, scrapping any chance at better Russian-US relations. Intervention would also worsen Russia-EU relations, which are already strained given the fear of Russian political ambitions in the Baltic countries and other Eastern European states. Nevertheless, if Moscow is not able to secure its interests in Belarus, some kind of action on its behalf can be expected.

Belarus receives first oil cargo from Iran. United Press International and Iranian Press TV reported on the delivery of 600,000 barrels of Iranian oil to Belarus through the port of Odessa in Ukraine, which is slated for processing at the Mazyr oil refinery. For the first time, Bel Oil purchased crude oil from National Iranian Oil Company with a view to find an alternative oil supplier after Russia cut oil exports. According to Press TV, in December 2016 Iran’s Oil Minister had stated that Iran was looking into cooperation with Belarus in manufacturing oil industry equipment and oil trade.

Technology

Lukashenka expresses support for tech industry. Red Herring reported on Lukashenka's support for the IT sector and start-ups during an event organised by successful IT businessman Viktar Prakapeinia. Lukashenka spoke of his commitment to technology, but warned that the IT business should work in a legal and transparent framework. The source quoted Aliaksiej Liavončyk, who insisted that despite improvements in the process of business registration, numerous obstacles remain. For example, it is still necessary to have an informal network of contacts and to pay concessions to certain people to ensure a business’s survival.

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