Retaining the loyalty of the security forces, who have helped him crack down hard on the protests, is vital to Lukashenko as he tries to navigate the most serious challenge to his 26 years in power. He appointed Ivan Tertel, formerly head of the state control committee, to head the KGB. Valery Vakulchik, who served as chairman of the state security committee, was appointed secretary of the country’s security council, Belta reported. The Belarusian government has denied abusing detainees and has said its security forces have acted appropriately against demonstrators. Lukashenko this week thanked Russian state-backed television channel RT for providing journalists to help prop up Belarusian state media after hundreds of staff went on strike in protest against his rule.

Source: bd News24 September 03, 2020 09:45 UTC