Belarusian authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered his government to tighten internet usage restrictions, noting that this former Soviet republic should take China as a model.
Internet usage in Belarus is already restricted as citizens can only use internet cafes upon presenting personal documents, and internet access for offices and private users is monitored by the state. Nevertheless, Lukashenko stated at a gathering of Belarusian officials that these measures are insufficient. “If we read what is written there, we will see that it serves as a platform not only for the opposition but also for voices and countries that are hostile to us,” said Lukashenko. “We must end this anarchy.” Western governments consider Lukashenko the last European dictator and have banned him from entering their territory due to the suppression of freedom of thought in a country of 10 million inhabitants, whose government has abolished independent newspapers and arrested opposition politicians. (H)
