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| - A controversial re-election victory for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in disputed polls has been followed by more than 10 weeks of anti-government protests. Here is a recap of the drama in the ex-Soviet country, after the Belarusian opposition was awarded the European Union's top rights prize. On August 9, 2020, Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, runs for a sixth term in a presidential election. His main rival is the political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran after her blogger husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was jailed and barred from contesting. That night, an official exit poll declares Lukashenko the victor. Tikhanovskaya rejects the results. Police violently repress anti-government protests, arresting about 3,000 and injuring dozens. The next day, the official results give victory to Lukashenko with 80 percent of votes, far ahead of Tikhanovskaya on 10 percent. Tikhanovskaya claims victory, calling on Lukashenko to step down. For a second night, demonstrators clash with police in Minsk and other cities, leading to some 2,000 arrests and a first death. On August 11 Tikhanovskaya says she has made the "difficult decision" to leave her country for neighbouring Lithuania. Fresh protests overnight, with another harsh crackdown by security forces. Officials confirm the death of a 25-year-old man in detention. On August 13, several thousand men and women, many wearing white and holding flowers and balloons, form human chains, holding hands and walking through Minsk. On August 20, Belarus prosecutors open a criminal investigation into attempts by the opposition to "seize power". On August 22 Lukashenko orders his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity. As some 100,000 people protest in Minsk on August 23, Lukashenko appears in a video wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying an assault rifle. On August 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is ready to send troops to Belarus if necessary. On September 6 at least 100,000 protesters stage a peaceful march in Minsk. On September 14, the UN calls for an investigation into torture allegations in Belarus. Putin hosts Lukashenko to discuss closer integration. The following day the EU says it does not recognise Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus. In a video address to the UN Human Rights Council on September 18, Tikhanovskaya urges the international community to react strongly to abuses in her country. On September 23, the Belta state news agency reports Lukashenko has been sworn in for a sixth term at a secret ceremony held with no prior announcement. On the 29, French President Emmanuel Macron promises to help with mediation, after meeting Tikhanovskaya in Vilnius. Britain and Canada become the first major nations to slap sanctions on Lukashenko over the crisis. On October 2, the European Union adopts measures against 40 Lukashenko allies. Washington also sanctions eight top officials, including the interior minister. On the 12, the EU says it is ready to sanction Lukashenko himself, meeting a day after police used water cannon and stun grenades on protesters. On October 13 Tikhanovskaya gives Lukashenko a deadline of two weeks up to October 25 to resign, halt violence and release political prisoners, warning he will otherwise face a crippling general strike. On the 15, Canada announces new sanctions. On the 18, tens of thousands march in defiance of police threats to open fire. On October 22, The European Parliament awards its Sakharov Prize for human rights to the movement opposing Lukashenko. Tikhanovskaya says the award "is for the Belarusian people". bur-kd/jmy/cdw
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