This opinion is written by the Editorial Board of The Washington Post. Here is an excerpt:
Civil society, so essential in a healthy democracy, creates open channels to connect people and their rulers: an independent press, autonomous associations and political opposition, among others. Belarus has not been a democracy, but its people have wanted to build one. Alexander Lukashenko, the dictator of Belarus who was voted out last August but clings to power by force and intimidation, is systematically destroying those channels. On Tuesday, another went dark.
The leading independent news website Tut.by, which had courageously reported about demonstrations against Mr. Lukashenko’s theft of the election, was taken offline, and the authorities searched its offices and affiliates, as well as the homes of several editors, including its editor in chief, Maryna Zolatava. The financial investigations department of the State Control Committee announced that the outlet was being investigated on charges of tax evasion, but that appears to be a thinly disguised pretext for silencing a source of independent news and information.
“Today we are witnessing the premeditated murder of independent media portal Tut.by,” declared Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the opposition leader who defeated Mr. Lukashenko in the election and then fled abroad after threats against her and her family. Mr. Lukashenko brazenly falsified the election results to award himself another term, sparking massive street protests. Demonstrators were detained by the thousands, and many were beaten in jail. On Monday, Mr. Lukashenko signed into law legislation that allows police and security forces to shoot at demonstrators.
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