Since 1994, Belarus has been ruled by Alexander Lukashenko. For nearly three decades, he has established near-total control over Belarus’ law enforcement, judiciary, and political system, turning the country into one of the most repressive states on the planet. In August 2020, after failing to address the COVID-19 pandemic, falsifying the results of the presidential elections, and committing egregious human rights abuses, Lukashenko faced nationwide protests.