Belorussian security forces have been given authority to use lethal force against protesters. As the opposition calls for escalating protests, the threat of a massacre is growing.

It is telling that Alexander Lukashenko’s embattled government has made public its approval of lethal force. Facing protests that show continued energy and scale, Lukashenko is desperate to end this challenge to his rule. He’s hoping the threat of death will scare protesters back into their homes.