DISINFO: Interference in Belarus follows a similar model to the one used in Venezuela
SUMMARY
It is no coincidence that the political crisis in Belarus is happening against the background of the reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank. Foreign interference is obvious in Belarus and follows a very similar formula to the one applied in Venezuela.
RESPONSE
This is part of an ongoing Russian disinformation campaign on Belarus based on recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives, such as accusing other countries of interference and portraying popular protests against electoral fraud in the country as a Western-led colour revolution, in this case promoted by NATO. No evidence is provided to support any of the claims. Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians have been protesting against a massive vote-rigging and police violence since 9 August 2020. On 16 August 2020 Belarus witnessed the largest rallies in the city of Minsk and dozens smaller towns and localities in its history. On 19 August 2020 the European Council called Belarus's elections neither free nor fair. See other examples of pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives in Belarus, such as claims that the EU reaction to Lukashenko’s victory is an example of Western double standards; that the same lack of democracy and repression is present in EU countries that criticise Minsk, and that the Ukrainian secret services may have planned terrorist attacks in Belarusian territory; that the West wants to prepare another Maidan in the country; or that Belarusians, Ukrainians and Russians are one single nation.