Anatol Pratasenia: Lukashenka Does Not Behave Like a Man

The Belarusian hockey player called for new elections.

The events in Belarus are watched all over the world. Peaceful rallies and demonstrations have been going on for a month now; people are still actively demanding new elections and the resignation of Aliaksandr Lukashenka, as well as punishment for the security forces who are brutal in the streets. Belarusian athletes, who play in foreign championships, are also watching the development of events. One of these is hockey player Anatol Pratasenia. At one time, the native of Minsk defended the colors of the capital "Dynama", "Neman," and "Youth", but in recent years he has been playing abroad - in 2019 he played for the Polish "Unia", after he signed a contract with the Czech "Dukla", and since May the striker is in "Slovan" from Usti nad Laben and is preparing for a season in the first league of the Czech Championship.

In an interview with Tribune, Pratasenia spoke about the brutality of the security forces and the actions of Lukashenka.

- Lukashenka said that he would not hold on to power, and if the people did not vote for him, they would leave. As a result, we see how he runs with a machine gun and leads the military against civilians.

- This is generally incomprehensible to me. But at the same time I am proud of the Belarusians, who, in spite of everything, still find the courage and go to the streets, want to change something in peaceful ways, express their point of view and show that they do not like what is happening in the country. But, honestly, I myself and my family here are in shock from the events in Belarus.

The 30th day has already passed since the beginning of all actions, demonstrations and protests. It seemed that Lukashenka himself should understand everything, calm down and act like a man. That is, to hold new elections, fair and transparent, so that everyone votes and the votes are counted correctly. But ... I don't know what will happen next.

- Why do you think Lukashenka doesn't act like a man?

- It is not clear for myself either. He seems to play hockey, loves this sport. And this is a manly sports, and here you need to play by the rules. Although, if you remember how the Christmas tournaments were held in Minsk, then what rules are we talking about? Czech amateurs went to the competitions, and the Belarusian team included professionals from the Extraliga so that the Belarusian team won first place. Is it fair? For Lukashenka, it means that this is normal. In hockey, in politics, he prefers to act with similar methods. It's hard to even talk about self-esteem here. It's good, of course, when you win, but you also need to be able to lose. There are no victories without losses. This applies to both sports and everyday life.