DISINFO: Maidan in Belarus, like Euromaidan, is directed against Russia
SUMMARY
By its goals and objectives, Belomaidan is no different from the Euromaidan, and is directed against Russia and the Russian population of Belarus (which is an absolute majority).
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about colour revolutions and Belarus. The protests in Belarus are not directed against Russia. People of Belarus took to the streets after a presidential elections on the 9 August, which are considered fraudulent by a large part of Belarusian society. The European Union has also stated that the elections were neither free nor fair. There is no evidence that the protests in Belarus are funded and organised externally or are directed against Russia or the Russian speaking population in Belarus. The objectives of the protests are set forth by the Coordination Council of Belarus opposition. They include: an end to political persecution of citizens, the release of all political prisoners, the annulment of the 9 August presidential election results, the need to hold new elections based on international standards. Euromaidan too was not directed against Russia. It was a spontaneous protest against the decision of President Viktor Yanukovych not to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union. The protesters' demands included constitutional reform, a stronger role for parliament, formation of a government of national unity, an end to corruption, early presidential elections and an end to violence. See similar cases claiming that the protests in Belarus are a colour revolution conducted according to a Maidan scenario and that the West wants to prepare Maidan in Belarus.