Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Sunday for another demonstration. Lukashenko, the longtime leader of Belarus, extended his rule after a disputed election last month.
The protests have been ongoing since the Aug. 9 vote. Opposition parties, the United States and the European Union claim the election was rigged.
On Saturday, thousands demonstrated to demand the release of opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, who was jailed this week for refusing to be deported.
The Polish-funded satellite TV channel Belsat and independent TV station Tutby broadcast video footage showing masked Belarusian riot police violently detaining at least 40 women, who were thrown into a van, as a scuffle broke out in Freedom Square in the center of the city.
Some female protesters chanted “Bring back our Masha,” referring to Kolesnikova, while others banged pans.
Lukashenko denied that the Aug. 9 vote was fraudulent and accused opposition members and activists of colluding with the West in an attempt to create a parallel government.
The disputed election sparked five weeks of protests and thousands of people were detained. Police forcefully dispersed peaceful protesters with rubber bullets, clubs and stun grenades, killing at least three people and injuring hundreds more.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that the United States and other countries are considering imposing sanctions against “those involved in human rights abuses and repression in Belarus.
Recent Comments