He was a Belarusian cop for 17 years. Lukashenko's crackdown on protests made him quit.

He said he does not understand the charges.The court closed his case after not finding his conduct criminal, according to the document he supplied.He said he has not faced any threats or reprimands from Belarusian authorities about his decision since.“In the meanwhile, my photo has gone viral around the world,” he said.The press office of the regional police force confirmed Wednesday that Yemelyanov was a staff police officer who relayed his intention to resign and was eventually dismissed last week.As Lukashenko clings to power amid pressure at home and abroad, there are signs the security forces on which he has staked his quarter century rule are now turning on him.A ministry spokesperson acknowledged in a public statement Tuesday that some police officers had quit amid the protests.“We will not judge the small proportion of police officers who have today left the service out of personal convictions,” the statement said.It also pleaded with others not to quit, saying the public would be left unprotected if “the entire police force today takes off its badges.”On Tuesday, Lukashenko issued an order rewarding around 300 employees of the interior ministry for “impeccable service.”It was not immediately clear if the order, dated Aug. 13, included any law enforcement officials who played any part in the crackdown on protesters.As for Yemelyanov, he plans to stay in Belarus and look for another job, possibly in the fitness industry.“At this point, I am almost sure that everything will end well,” he said, reflecting on the political situation in the country.“I support holding a new election,” he added.