On Saturday, Belarusians are paying last respects to Alyaksandr Taraykouski, a 34-year-old resident of Minsk who died during the crackdown on protesters at Pushkinskaya metro station on August, 10. His death was officially confirmed by the authorities, but many people doubt the official version.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the man was about to throw an improvised explosive device at the security officers, but it exploded in his hand. State media, in turn, reported that the deceased had a criminal history.
Taraykouski served his full term; then he became a small entrepreneur and started a family. Alyaksandr’s wife completely rules out that he could have arms or, what is more, make an improvised bomb.
A number of witnesses disprove the official version. One of protesters told TUT.by that he had not seen any explosives in the man’s hands. He allegedly tried to throw something at the security forces, but he did not do that, and there was no explosion. Another eyewitness told the BBC that Alyaksandr had been shot down.
[SENSITIVE VIDEO] Minsk, Aug10. You can see the shot, and then protester began to stagger. Later another rifle was directed (illuminated by a flashlight) and two more shots. The man falls. Apparently, nothing exploded in his hand, as reported in the news pic.twitter.com/58EVcesajb
— Franak Viačorka (@franakviacorka) August 11, 2020
Moreover, video that probably features the moment of Taraykouski’s death, appeared on social networks. The investigative group group Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) came to the conclusion that Alyaksandr might have been killed by KGB special unit Alаa or special police Almaz. The footage shows that security officers standing at the intersection were firing at people with arms (probably it was Benelli M4 shotguns), and one of the demonstrators staggered, fell down and remained motionless.
“In any case, this video testifies against the MIA version about the self-explosion, as no flash is spotted in the protester’s hand, while the flash near one of the riot policemen in the ranks, on the contrary, is clearly seen,” CIT representatives say.
❗Відэа забойства Аляксандра Тарайкоўскага. У яго ў руках няма НІЧОГА.
Відэа: Euroradio pic.twitter.com/rtBtmzyIAn
— Белсат TV (@Belsat_TV) August 15, 2020
Hundreds of people have attended today’s remembrance rally at Pushkinskaya metro station and said their last goodbye to Alyaksandr at the funeral hall in Alsheuski street:
