Detained in Belarus

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Pascale Harter introduces analysis, reportage and personal reflections from correspondents around the world. Mass protests continue in Belarus following an election widely believed to have been rigged by long time President Alexander Lukashenko. He has been using his best efforts to silence opposition voices. Now the police are detaining journalists, including the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg. Five years ago, a million people came to Europe in search of work or refuge, or both. The leaders of Hungary and Germany, Viktor Orban and Angela Merkel emerged as the two poles of the ensuing debate about how to handle the situation. Nick Thorpe has met some of the migrants affected by the decisions taken then. Being a foreign correspondent involves so much travel and uncertainty it can make it hard to maintain a normal life. A trip comes up at short notice and plans are called off. In a time of Coronavirus though, it’s all very different. More a case of where you go, there you stay. And for a spirit, like Shaimaa Khalil, who loves the open road, you can be stuck together with a loved one a little too intensely or find you’re parting for perhaps far too long. Coronavirus cases remain high in the United States, it’s also the electoral season with not only the presidential election looming but elections for congress too. Getting out to campaign has been tricky for politicians and voting can be a challenge for the people. But in Boston, Massachusetts there is an extra complication that comes in the form of a tradition: Allston Christmas. Alice Hutton has experienced the one day a year there when thousands of renters move home. Presenter: Pascale Harter Producer: Bethan Head Editor: Jasper Corbett (Image: Law enforcement officers detain journalists in Minsk. Credit: Reuters/Vasily Fedosenko)