Belarus: Dictatorship

            "When the people fear their goverment there is tyranny, but when the goverment fears the people there is democracy." ~Thomas Jefferson. Democracy is defined as a form of goverment in which citizens have an equall say in decisions that affect their lives and a certain amount of participation in the development and passage of legislation. In most cultures democracy is highly valued as it gives citizens a voice to be heard with. However, there are leaders around the world who still abuse their power; even under a "democracy". In our World Issues class we have been asked to read the Maclean's article "Belarus: Europe's ugly little dictatorship." and post are opinions pertaining to the issue.Ales Michalevic practiced politics in Belarus for quite some time and ran as a canidate in last December's presidential election. His rival Lukasenko won 80 percent of the vote which was difficult to beilve as Lukasenko's goverment was violent, corrupt, and economically as well as morally bankrupt. Thousands spilled into the streets in protest and Michalevic was arrested when he refused to read a text accusing other canidates for inciting mass disturbances and "hoolagaism". He was tortured in prison but released two months later and made his way illegaly to Ukraine. “It’s not about Lukashenko, it’s about what comes after. It’s not about the next dictator, it’s about a strong civil society.” said Michalevic. In Canada, laws and legislation is follows rule of law and society's rights and freedoms have been recorded in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognized by goverments and society.