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Lukashenko Threatens Rival

MINSK — Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said he would jail Andrei Sannikov, a recently released opposition leader, if he "blabbers" or if the West increases diplomatic pressure on Minsk to reform.

To discourage Sannikov from talking about his time in jail, Lukashenko made it clear he would send his political foe and one of Sannikov's allies back to jail if he was displeased with them.

"One more [act of] pressure and those blabbermouths who have been set free and should say thanks for that may return to prison," Lukashenko said.

Sannikov was sentenced to five years in prison last year for taking part in a protest against Lukashenko's reelection.

(Reuters)

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