How Belarusian women became a strong presence in anti-Lukashenko protests
Source: NBC News
Staring down a masked man with a rifle, standing alongside dozens of other women all linking arms in solidarity, Anastasiya Antoniuk was prepared to be taken to jail.
The 26-year-old copywriter was taking part in a protest against the detention of an opposition leader, one of many demonstrations since Belarus’ authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, was named the winner of a contested election on Aug. 9.
In a photo of the incident that has garnered international attention, Antoniuk can be seen standing in the first row, in a brown coat, defiant.
A compelling and unavoidable theme of Belarus’ popular protest movement calling for the removal of Lukashenko, now into its sixth week, is the central role played by women.From the weekly protests to the leaders organizing and calling for change, women have had a strong presence.
The photo shows Antoniuk and other women shielding some men behind their backs while linking arms — they hoped the security forces would remain lenient toward women. But unable to get to the men, Antoniuk said riot police and unidentified men wearing fatigues and balaclavas started detaining everyone.
Click here to read the full article published by NBC News on 20 September 2020.
Staring down a masked man with a rifle, standing alongside dozens of other women all linking arms in solidarity, Anastasiya Antoniuk was prepared to be taken to jail.
The 26-year-old copywriter was taking part in a protest against the detention of an opposition leader, one of many demonstrations since Belarus’ authoritarian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, was named the winner of a contested election on Aug. 9.
In a photo of the incident that has garnered international attention, Antoniuk can be seen standing in the first row, in a brown coat, defiant.
A compelling and unavoidable theme of Belarus’ popular protest movement calling for the removal of Lukashenko, now into its sixth week, is the central role played by women.From the weekly protests to the leaders organizing and calling for change, women have had a strong presence.
The photo shows Antoniuk and other women shielding some men behind their backs while linking arms — they hoped the security forces would remain lenient toward women. But unable to get to the men, Antoniuk said riot police and unidentified men wearing fatigues and balaclavas started detaining everyone.
Click here to read the full article published by NBC News on 20 September 2020.