In the aftermath of Belarus’ presidential elections, the country’s police force responded to street protests with extreme force - evidence of brutality, torture and inhumane treatment was broadcast around the world.
Indeed, this brutality was stopped in part thanks to worker unrest across the country, where people held open air meetings on the elections and their results at their places of work, threatening strikes and work-to-rule actions at the same time.
The Belarus Metal Works (BMZ) in Zhlobin, Gomel region, was one of the large state enterprises where workers mobilised in response to the election. I talked to city residents who were involved - about life in Zhlobin, the elections and their aftermath.
