The Times: Belarusian Dictator Hides Death Toll, Continues To Deny Lockdown

In Belarus, there is growing anger at Mr Lukashenko’s blasé attitude, and a feeling that the true scale of the outbreak is being hidden.

As leaders across the world act to prevent the spread of coronavirus with lockdowns and quarantine, President Lukashenko of Belarus is suggesting alternatives that are not so much ineffective as completely irrelevant: vodka, saunas and ice hockey.

The former collective farm manager who has ruled with an iron fist since 1994 has refused to introduce strict measures to halt the spread of the virus.

He describes concerns about the pandemic as “coronavirus psychosis”— and warns that a shutdown could ruin the economy. Factories continue to work, kindergartens, restaurants and

universities are open and the Belarusian football league, with spectators, is the only one still playing in Europe.

There is growing anger at Mr Lukashenko’s blasé attitude, and a feeling that the true scale of the outbreak is being hidden.

‘The situation is catastrophic,” said Andrei Sannikov, a former presidential candidate, in a telephone interview yesterday. “I suspect the real figures could be five or ten times higher than what the people are being told”.

“Information comes out piecemeal from doctors and other sources and people pass it on via social media. Lukashenko is a dictator who is used to solving things with violence, and locking up his opponents. But that doesn't work with coronavirus.”

Mr. Sannikov, and a group of other leading opposition figures want an immediate strict lockdown, in line with those brought in by surrounding countries, including Russia.

Mr Lukashenko, 65, describes the disease as “imported” and claimed this week that Belarus was using “pinpoint tactics” to tackle it. “Look at what is going on in the countries on lockdown: nothing has worked out,” he added.

Last month he suggested that a strong drink, a hot sauna and some toil in the fields would see off the virus.

President Lukashenko of Belarus says that other countries’tactics have failed.

“The tractor will cure everyone there, the fields cure everyone,” he explained. He then told a reporter at an ice hockey match: “There are no viruses here. Sport, especially the ice, this ‘fridge’ — it’s the best anti-virus medicine.”

Anybody who disagrees publicly risks retribution: A student at Minsk State Linguistics University

was expelled this week after she took part in the protests over continuing lectures.

Mr Lukashenko’s argument is that the cost of a lockdown being far too high. Analysts say he fears a recession before presidential elections on August 30.

Tom Parfitt, The Times