MINSK, 17 August (BelTA) – There will be an adequate response to provocations and violation of public order, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he talked to employees of Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT) on 17 August, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that many participants of the riots, who were detained, had deliberately planned such actions, even on the election day, before the polling stations closed. Many of them, as it turned out, were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“I understand that many are distressed about the situation in the streets, street violence and so on and so forth. I am also answering this question. They needed a reason for you to shout: ‘Leave!' A good reason. You know that I have instructed to look into every case. Some people happened to be in the wrong place at a wrong time. This is true too," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president stressed that the police responded to the provocations of some protesters. One of the law enforcement officers got a spine broken. “Provocations will get the adequate response. Calm down. If someone of you have children, use your head and understand that a serviceman will never forgive you if you attack him on a vehicle. I asked you not to provoke them. They will protect their families who are bullied and threatened in the social networks,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
“If you do not want violence, then do not provoke. You should understand that the task of law enforcement is to restore order,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president stressed that the current government is not interested in destabilizing the situation in the country. This was initiated by other people. “I have not created this situation. Why do I need this situation? I do not. It was created. Why were the riot police on the street? Did they want to? Not. They were sent there to put things in order,” the head of state noted.
According to him, law enforcement are sent to ensure security. "This is not about politics. This is about security," the president stressed. "We are trying not to fall for provocations."
