Security was tight as Prime Minister Joel Nakajima toured cities in Negunia today in the aftermath of the political violence which devastated Beluzia recently. Mr Nakajima called the broken windows, destroyed businesses and burned tires, along with the mess and decay which left the country reeling "an absolute disgrace". He hugged a shop owner who had lost her handmade toy shop to arsonists. "We are insured, but we've lost years of hard work" the owner sobbed. This is a story repeated across the country after months of escalating political aggression by the Pantafloja Junior led, Prosperity. A Kaminskiist supporter was beaten with a baseball bat by one group of Prosperity thugs and remains in a critical condition in hospital. Overall casualties from the violence are unknown at this time.
Some have criticised Mr Nakajima for keeping a low profile during the crisis and when he was asked why this was the case a key spokesman replied "Without going in to too much detail all we can say is there was a very real security risk involved. Beluzian intelligence had intercepted real and present threats on the life of the Prime Minister. He had to be moved to a secure location along with other government officials. Deputy Prime Minister Tom McKenny was fully briefed throughout and worked tirelessly in Congress to preserve the government and push for early elections." Mr Nakajima added. "The military was always aware and working hard with law enforcement to put down the crisis. I want to thank everyone involved for their dedication and commitment during
this difficult time." Experts such as Ret Gen Brian Colleton appeared on popular morning chat show 'Smell the Coffee Beluzia'. When asked if the Prime Minister was saying this was an attempted coup d'etat he simply replied "yes" to audible gasps from the audience and hosts. This suggestion has shocked Beluzia to the core as they had been in the midst of an economic resurgence of late.
Senior Professor Debra Sutherland of Fort Thorne University who lectures in history said "massive cross party protests across Beluzia were absolutely essential in ensuring the attempted rebellion achieved no momentum with the people." Mrs Sutherland was asked how such a poorly conceived attempt to take control of the government was going to succeed. She replied "widespread voter fraud saw "Junior" win many seats in Congress which enabled him to attempt a Congressional power grab. When that failed he attempted to call out factions of the military who might be wavering but they never answered. This was the beginning of the end. In desperation Pantafloja fled when he faced fresh elections."
When asked what will become of "Junior's" BPF party PM Nakajima said "we don't have any problem with the supporters, per se. They can vote for who they like, legally and lawfully and there are plenty who were simply led astray and didn't take part in the violence. But we have a problem with supporters who try damage property, hurt other people and try to usurp power and turn the country in to a dictatorship. This is where we draw the line and we draw it clearly. We will use every lawful means at our disposal to preserve the Beluzian Republic."
Police Chief Owen Drenger who promised action following these events has said "My police force has established a task force, Unicorn, and have already identified and arrested several dozen members of "Junior's" supporters who call themselves 'Prosperity Ultra's' responsible for the worst violence imaginable in recent months. Make no mistake there is no hiding from this. We will find you. We will arrest you. Your life is going to be an absolute misery from now on." Indeed TV screens and newspapers have been filled with pictures of "Ultras" being led away by heavily armed, balaclava wearing police from recently raided houses. One person who isn't found yet is "Junior" himself who fled to places unknown, probably overseas. It is understood Beluzian Intelligence are working closely with other police forces and intelligence agencies to bring Pantafloja to justice.
Recent snap elections, under the watchful eye of the Beluzian Police and election watchers from around Terra, saw Prosperity's vote collapse by 23% and Conservatives and Liberty perform exceptionally well. Nakajima's "cool heads" speech was said to have won many admirers to see him given another term in office. "It feels like i've never left" joked Nakajima.
George Standard
Beluzia Today
April 4397