Former Soviet colony Belarus was disturbed this past week with an alleged terrorist attack. A homemade bomb was placed in a bag underneath a bench in a Minsk subway station, in the Belarusian capital. The fatal incident caused the death of 12 people and hospitalized around 150.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has taken measures to strengthen the defense of the city, such as increased security in all public transportation facilities. Also, through interrogation and various means of persuasion, the two culprits who confessed to carrying out the bombing have relayed names of those who were also tied to the attack. Moreover, they admitted to having a helping hand in two previous bombings, one in 2005 and one in 2008. With this ground-breaking interrogation, immense progression is expected in finding out who exactly is behind this terrorist organization, and whether or not they have any more terrorist attacks planned.
The motives behind the attacks have yet to be determined. Speculation has run rampant regarding whether or not the bombing was a response to the regime of Lukashenko, who has been accused of an authoritarian ruling style with violent reactions to protests and opposition forces. In 2010, questionable voting tactics were used by Lukashenko, who claimed 80 percent of the population vote and 90 percent of the electoral vote. Two opposing presidential candidates were beaten by police on Election Day while taking part in a rally against Lukashenko. Each of his elections since 1994 have been said by many sources to be “flawed” and incompetent.
Though his oppressive authority seems to be an issue with elections, scenes of violence and protest are few and far between. Therefore, his means to presidency are not questioned abroad, but his various soviet-era policies are criticized by various western powers, the state-owned economy being one of them. This has not held back aid in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Russia has publicly announced their full cooperation with the situation and has subsequently sent investigation teams to assess the situation. Israel has also agreed to send help as soon as possible.
Minsk proved to be troubled for only a brief period of time before the fast-paced city life went on per usual. The perpetrators have been identified, and with a number of confessions, the entirety of the opposition unit should soon be dismantled. Especially with foreign aid going towards the investigation, this incident will not go without a full review. With the specific motivation for the attack yet to be determined, an unsettled attitude presides over those in support of Lukashenko. This could prove to be a testament to the growing opposition of his authoritarian rule, or it could also be painted over by the brush of censorship and intimidation.
