This is probably related to this colour revolution thread from yesterday.
UAZ "Patriot" MIA trailers with barbwire now deployed in Minsk, capital of Belarus.
Additional forces deploying, including water cannons and a machine setting up barbwire.
Random photo of Belarus forces in Minsk, can't confirm for certain that it was taken today though.
Fair enough. Clearly I'm no expert on Belarusian politics or society. I don't think I typically assume that West Says Bad = Good. But it is interesting how reliable, as you say, it is that "authoritarian dictator" is code for "isn't playing along." But I shall endeavor to remain duly critical.