Lukashenko begins campaign for “INFORMATION SOVEREIGNTY” to de-escalate protests in Belarus

Self-declared Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced plans to establish his direct control over the Belarusian information space.   Lukashenko said his administration should control major Belarusian media outlets to defend Belarus’ “information sovereignty” and that Belarusian authorities should wage a “more persistent” internet information campaign on October 9. Lukashenko likely seeks to consolidate control over the Belarusian information space to degrade protester will. Lukashenko likely additionally seeks to regain control of the Belarusian information space from the Kremlin as part of his ongoing efforts to resist Russian integration pressure. Lukashenko speaks about comparing events in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan Ongoing protests in…