Thousands of opposition supporters marched through the streets of Minsk on the 66th birthday of President Alexander Lukashenko. Calling for an end to Lukashenko's rule amid a heavy security presence and despite dozens of arrests.

Vladimir Putin agrees to meet Belarus President Lukashenko soon

Belarusians chanted "Happy Birthday, you rat" and flew red-and-white opposition flags as they gathered near President Alexander Lukashenko 's residence on Sunday.

The president, in office for 26 years, has shown no inclination to step down despite protesters keeping up pressure on him to resign.

For the second weekend in a row he appeared in a black cap and carrying an automatic rifle while walking around his residence, according to a photo published by Russia 's RIA news agency.

Lukashenko, who turned 66 on Sunday, is struggling to contain weeks of protests and strikes since winning an August 9 election his opponents say was rigged. He denies electoral fraud and has said the protesters, whom he previously called "rats", are backed from abroad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a birthday phone call to invite Lukashenko to visit Moscow, a sign of the Kremlin 's willingness to back Lukashenko as he grapples with the unrest and the threat of new Western sanctions.

Tens of thousands of protesters streamed into central Minsk, carrying balloons, flowers and flags, in the afternoon. Belarus had a white-red-white flag for a brief period in the early 1990s and it has become a symbol of its anti-government protests.

Passing cars honked their horns in solidarity. Some women lay down in protest in front of a cordon of helmeted security forces.

Protesters then converged on Lukashenko 's residence, which was guarded by a wall of security forces carrying shields. A column of armoured military vehicles was seen driving towards the city centre.

Police made sporadic detentions throughout the day, bundling people into prisoner vans. At least 140 people were detained, the interior ministry said, according to RIA. Some protesters resisted arrest by what appeared to be plain-clothes officers, an eyewitness said.

Earlier on Sunday, video footage shared by local media showed women dressed in traditional dress laying several pumpkins in front of the main government building, a folk custom intended to signal the rejection of a suitor.

In a holiday atmosphere, the protesters occasionally sang songs. At one point, a man draped in a flag got down on one knee and made a marriage proposal to a woman who accepted with a hug and a kiss as bystanders cheered.

An aide to the president, Nikolai Latyshenok, ruled out holding talks with the opposition and said that, in his personal opinion, only around 20-30% of Belarusian society was against the president, Russian news agencies reported.

"It has been said many times, let 's decide everything peacefully," TASS cited him as saying. 
One of the country 's largest mobile operators, A1, said it had reduced the capacity of mobile internet bandwidth at the government 's request.

Belarus, meanwhile, is Russia 's closest ex-Soviet ally and its territory is an integral part of Moscow 's European defence strategy. Nevertheless, Lukashenko is seen in Moscow as a prickly partner.

In the biggest sign yet of Russia 's willingness to intervene to prop up Lukashenko, Putin said on Thursday the Kremlin had set up a "reserve police force" at Lukashenko 's request, although it would be deployed only if necessary.

"It was agreed to hold a meeting in Moscow in the coming weeks," the Kremlin said in a statement after the leaders ' call on Sunday.

The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus. Lukashenko threatened on Friday to cut off European transit routes across his country in retaliation.

A onetime manager of a Soviet collective farm, Lukashenko has faced a wave of unrest including from sections of society normally seen as loyal, such as journalists from the tightly-controlled state media who quit and a sitting ambassador, who also resigned.

Hundreds of athletes, including Olympic medallists, published a demand for new elections in a sports website.

Belarusians chanted "Happy Birthday, you rat" and flew red-and-white opposition flags as they gathered near President Alexander Lukashenko 's residence on Sunday.

Belarusians chanted "Happy Birthday, you rat" and flew red-and-white opposition flags as they gathered near President Alexander Lukashenko 's residence on Sunday. The president, in office for 26 years, has shown no inclination to step down despite protesters keeping up pressure on him to resign. For the second weekend in a row he appeared in a black cap and carrying an automatic rifle while walking around his residence, according to a photo published by Russia 's RIA news agency. Lukashenko, who turned 66 on Sunday, is struggling to contain weeks of protests and strikes since winning an August 9 election his opponents say was rigged. He denies electoral fraud and has said the protesters, whom he previously called "rats", are backed from abroad. Russian President Vladimir Putin used a birthday phone call to invite Lukashenko to visit Moscow, a sign of the Kremlin 's willingness to back Lukashenko as he grapples with the unrest and the threat of new Western sanctions. Tens of thousands of protesters streamed into central Minsk, carrying balloons, flowers and flags, in the afternoon. Belarus had a white-red-white flag for a brief period in the early 1990s and it has become a symbol of its anti-government protests. Passing cars honked their horns in solidarity. Some women lay down in protest in front of a cordon of helmeted security forces. Protesters then converged on Lukashenko 's residence, which was guarded by a wall of security forces carrying shields. A column of armoured military vehicles was seen driving towards the city centre. Police made sporadic detentions throughout the day, bundling people into prisoner vans. At least 140 people were detained, the interior ministry said, according to RIA. Some protesters resisted arrest by what appeared to be plain-clothes officers, an eyewitness said. Earlier on Sunday, video footage shared by local media showed women dressed in traditional dress laying several pumpkins in front of the main government building, a folk custom intended to signal the rejection of a suitor. In a holiday atmosphere, the protesters occasionally sang songs. At one point, a man draped in a flag got down on one knee and made a marriage proposal to a woman who accepted with a hug and a kiss as bystanders cheered. An aide to the president, Nikolai Latyshenok, ruled out holding talks with the opposition and said that, in his personal opinion, only around 20-30% of Belarusian society was against the president, Russian news agencies reported. "It has been said many times, let 's decide everything peacefully," TASS cited him as saying. One of the country 's largest mobile operators, A1, said it had reduced the capacity of mobile internet bandwidth at the government 's request. Belarus, meanwhile, is Russia 's closest ex-Soviet ally and its territory is an integral part of Moscow 's European defence strategy. Nevertheless, Lukashenko is seen in Moscow as a prickly partner. In the biggest sign yet of Russia 's willingness to intervene to prop up Lukashenko, Putin said on Thursday the Kremlin had set up a "reserve police force" at Lukashenko 's request, although it would be deployed only if necessary. "It was agreed to hold a meeting in Moscow in the coming weeks," the Kremlin said in a statement after the leaders ' call on Sunday. The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus. Lukashenko threatened on Friday to cut off European transit routes across his country in retaliation. A onetime manager of a Soviet collective farm, Lukashenko has faced a wave of unrest including from sections of society normally seen as loyal, such as journalists from the tightly-controlled state media who quit and a sitting ambassador, who also resigned. Hundreds of athletes, including Olympic medallists, published a demand for new elections in a sports website.

Lukashenko gets birthday call from Putin, as tanks are seen in Minsk amid protests

Thousands of opposition supporters marched through the streets of Minsk on 66th birthday of Preseident Alexander Lukashenko. Calling for an end to Lukashenko's rule amid a heavy security presence and despite dozens of arrests.

Belarus: Protesters calls for Lukashenko to step down grow on his 66th B'day

Several thousand women marched in the capital of Belarus on Saturday waving flags, flowers and balloons in the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have gripped the country since a disputed presidential election this month.

President Alexander Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the Aug. 9 election to prolong his 26-year rule. He says the protesters are funded by the West, and accuses NATO of massing forces on Belarusian frontiers, which the alliance denies.

The women on Saturday staged what they called a march of solidarity, calling on Lukashenko and his government to step down.

"This is our city" and "you better protect us," chanted the crowd, many of them sporting national dress.

Streets along the protest route were cordoned off by police and security troops. Rallies on a smaller scale took place in other cities and towns.

Several thousand women marched in the capital of Belarus on Saturday waving flags, flowers and balloons in the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have gripped the country since a disputed presidential election this month.

Several thousand women marched in the capital of Belarus on Saturday waving flags, flowers and balloons in the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have gripped the country since a disputed presidential election this month. President Alexander Lukashenko denies opposition accusations that he rigged the Aug. 9 election to prolong his 26-year rule. He says the protesters are funded by the West, and accuses NATO of massing forces on Belarusian frontiers, which the alliance denies. The women on Saturday staged what they called a march of solidarity, calling on Lukashenko and his government to step down. "This is our city" and "you better protect us," chanted the crowd, many of them sporting national dress. Streets along the protest route were cordoned off by police and security troops. Rallies on a smaller scale took place in other cities and towns.

Women march through Belarusian capital calling for Lukashenko to step down

As the Belarus elections remain shrouded in further conspiracies with tensions continuing to rise between the West and Russia. Watch report.

Belarus political unrest: The arrest of Mercenaries linked to Russian Wagner group

Vladimir Putin faces criticism over the alleged poisoning of Alexei Navalny. But, he was seen driving a car on a highway. Alexander Lukashenko brandished a gun - as thousands rallied in Minsk. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about the leaders who face troubles, but remain defiant.

Gravitas: Despite their troubles, these leaders remain defiant

Thousands have taken to the streets of Belarus to demand that Alexander Lukashenko step down as the President. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 26 years. His 'dictatorship' is now being challenged by a 37-year-old. Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the report.

Gravitas: Is Europe's Last Dictator on his way out?

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.

Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past.&nbsp;

Lukashenka is 65 years old, he has spent 26 years as the president of Belarus but the old man's thirst for power is unquenched. 
 
When a 37-year-old Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged him in the August 9 polls, Lukashenko forged the results and triggered a revolution.

Now, all bets are against Lukashenko and his fall is imminent.

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The uprising in Belarus has already erupted last week in a democratic vacuum, in a country where challengers to President Alexander Lukashenko are jailed or exiled and where there is no experienced parliamentary opposition.

But the dictator lives in denial, publicly denouncing the protesters as 'rats' and secretly fearing them.

On Sunday, Lukashenko flew over a sea of protesters wearing a bullet proof jacket. He landed in the presidential palace brandishing a rifle. 
 
Belarus has become a global headline, 50,000 Lithuanians formed a human chain in support of Belarusians. The chain was 30 kilometers long and stretched all the way from Vilnius to the Belarus border.

Among the participants was Lithuania’s President- Gitanas Nauseda.

Speaking from Vilnius, exiled leader Tsikhanouskaya said-- Lukashenko's fall is only a matter of time.

"Belarusian people have changed during this year and even if he (President Alexander Lukashenko) does (go ahead with inauguration), Belarusian people will not accept him as new president and now our people are absolutely different and I am sure that sooner or later he will have to leave,” She said.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old has baffled political pundits by challenging a 26-year-old dictatorship. One year ago, Tsikhanouskaya was just another Belarusian housewife. Today, and she sees herself as a symbol of change.

Russia believes that the polls in Belarus were fair and Tsikhanouskaya only interested in creating disunity in the country. 
 
"In the absence of the (election) observers that the west considers to be independent it's very difficult to convince someone that the result of the presidential elections was diametrically opposed to what was announced,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Russia and China are the only countries rallying behind Lukashenko. 
 
As Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power, the world is watching Belarus closely.

Lukashenko’s fall will have big political implications. Russia perhaps will feel the pain most strongly.

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past.

At least 200,000 people gathered at Minsk’s independent square over the weekend. They demanded the resignation of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has maintained a tight grip on power by retaining much from the country’s Soviet past. Lukashenka is 65 years old, he has spent 26 years as the president of Belarus but the old man's thirst for power is unquenched. When a 37-year-old Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya challenged him in the August 9 polls, Lukashenko forged the results and triggered a revolution. Now, all bets are against Lukashenko and his fall is imminent. The uprising in Belarus has already erupted last week in a democratic vacuum, in a country where challengers to President Alexander Lukashenko are jailed or exiled and where there is no experienced parliamentary opposition. But the dictator lives in denial, publicly denouncing the protesters as 'rats' and secretly fearing them. On Sunday, Lukashenko flew over a sea of protesters wearing a bullet proof jacket. He landed in the presidential palace brandishing a rifle. Belarus has become a global headline, 50,000 Lithuanians formed a human chain in support of Belarusians. The chain was 30 kilometers long and stretched all the way from Vilnius to the Belarus border. Among the participants was Lithuania’s President- Gitanas Nauseda. Speaking from Vilnius, exiled leader Tsikhanouskaya said-- Lukashenko's fall is only a matter of time. "Belarusian people have changed during this year and even if he (President Alexander Lukashenko) does (go ahead with inauguration), Belarusian people will not accept him as new president and now our people are absolutely different and I am sure that sooner or later he will have to leave,” She said. The 37-year-old has baffled political pundits by challenging a 26-year-old dictatorship. One year ago, Tsikhanouskaya was just another Belarusian housewife. Today, and she sees herself as a symbol of change. Russia believes that the polls in Belarus were fair and Tsikhanouskaya only interested in creating disunity in the country. "In the absence of the (election) observers that the west considers to be independent it's very difficult to convince someone that the result of the presidential elections was diametrically opposed to what was announced,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Russia and China are the only countries rallying behind Lukashenko. As Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power, the world is watching Belarus closely. Lukashenko’s fall will have big political implications. Russia perhaps will feel the pain most strongly.

Belarus: Europe’s last dictator struggles to stay in power

Belarusian human rights activist, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said that Alexander Lukashenko will have to step down sooner or later.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: Lukashenko will have to step down sooner or later!

Alexander Lukashenko has been in power for 26 years in Belarus. He suggested taking saunas and drinking vodka to fight the Wuhan Virus. Now - the President of Belarus faces his biggest political crisis.

Gravitas: Alexander Lukashenko: President of Belarus for 26 years

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the protests shaking his country with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

"The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus," a&nbsp;Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.

The Kremlin said that Putin and&nbsp;Lukashenko agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be swiftly resolved.

The phone call came after Belarus leader who claims to have won a disputed presidential election on Sunday said he needed to contact Moscow over growing protests against his rule.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-braces-for-weekend-protests-as-pressure-grows-on-lukashenko-320793" hreflang="en">Belarus braces for weekend protests as pressure grows on Lukashenko</a>

Russia has been the only neighbour of Belarus to back Lukashenko during the mass protests that have gained growing support from Belarusians and drawn international condemnation of police violence and vote-rigging.

The Kremlin in its account of the exchange between Putin and Lukashenko said that "the most important thing is to prevent destructive forces from taking advantage of these problems."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

It said these forces "are striving to harm the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries in the union state."

It said the two sides agreed to continue regular contacts and their "intention to strengthen their relations as a union."

Belarusian riot police have used extreme violence and detainees have reported beatings and torture in prison. &nbsp;

Lukashenko, in charge of Belarus for the past 26 years, has a history of playing Russia off against the neighbouring European Union when it suits him but Belarus is highly economically dependent on Russia.&nbsp;

Lukashenko issued criticisms&nbsp;of Russia during his election campaign and Belarus detained 33 Russians on suspicion of planning riots ahead of polls.&nbsp;

However he has since changed his rhetoric to blame protests on provocateurs coming from countries including Poland and the Netherlands.

Russia in statements supportive of Lukashenko's election victory has stressed the importance of strengthening the alliance between the two countries, which are formally a union state and until the coronavirus pandemic had no border restrictions.

Lukashenko has said that he opposes full unification with Russia.

In a gesture towards Russia, Belarus on Friday handed back all but one of the 33 detained Russians without charging them.

It earlier issued an embarrassing claim for Russia that they were mercenaries in Wagner, a shadowy private army reportedly funded by a close ally of Putin.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the protests shaking his country with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday. "The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus," a Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the protests shaking his country with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday. "The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus," a Belarusian state news agency Belta reported. The Kremlin said that Putin and Lukashenko agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be swiftly resolved. The phone call came after Belarus leader who claims to have won a disputed presidential election on Sunday said he needed to contact Moscow over growing protests against his rule. Also read: Belarus braces for weekend protests as pressure grows on Lukashenko Russia has been the only neighbour of Belarus to back Lukashenko during the mass protests that have gained growing support from Belarusians and drawn international condemnation of police violence and vote-rigging. The Kremlin in its account of the exchange between Putin and Lukashenko said that "the most important thing is to prevent destructive forces from taking advantage of these problems." Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions It said these forces "are striving to harm the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries in the union state." It said the two sides agreed to continue regular contacts and their "intention to strengthen their relations as a union." Belarusian riot police have used extreme violence and detainees have reported beatings and torture in prison. Lukashenko, in charge of Belarus for the past 26 years, has a history of playing Russia off against the neighbouring European Union when it suits him but Belarus is highly economically dependent on Russia. Lukashenko issued criticisms of Russia during his election campaign and Belarus detained 33 Russians on suspicion of planning riots ahead of polls. However he has since changed his rhetoric to blame protests on provocateurs coming from countries including Poland and the Netherlands. Russia in statements supportive of Lukashenko's election victory has stressed the importance of strengthening the alliance between the two countries, which are formally a union state and until the coronavirus pandemic had no border restrictions. Lukashenko has said that he opposes full unification with Russia. In a gesture towards Russia, Belarus on Friday handed back all but one of the 33 detained Russians without charging them. It earlier issued an embarrassing claim for Russia that they were mercenaries in Wagner, a shadowy private army reportedly funded by a close ally of Putin.

Belarus leader Lukashenko talks to Russian President Putin, discusses protests

The protests in Belarus have entered their sixth day. For the first time in the last 5 days, the protests were majorly peaceful. Watch report.

Belarus protests: EU rejects Belarus election result

Belarus government started releasing the detained prisoners to declare peace between the government and the citizens. The prisoners had been detained while protesting against Belarus President&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko's rule.

The prisoners were released in the early hours of Friday and were greeted with friends and family who welcomed the detainees with tears, hugs, blankets, water and food.

The government also took responsibility for the violence that erupted during the protests.&nbsp;"I take responsibility and apologise for injuries of random people at the protests who got it in the neck," said Minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Karayev.

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The statement came after thousands of detained protestors complained of mistreatment in the cramped-up holding cells. Out of 6,700 detained protestors, hundreds of them came out with bruises over their bodies and face. Some of the detainees claimed they were beaten up after being dragged out of their cells. However,&nbsp;Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov declined any form of mistreatment or abuse in the holding cells.

President's ally, the head of a national state council Natalya Kochanova, announced that the President had called for a review for the detentions made. "We don`t fight, we don`t need war," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-police-detained-about-700-protesters-overnight-320212">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says police detained about 700 protesters overnight</a>

While almost all prisoners were released from the Minsk detention centre, nearly two detainees lost their lives. EU Ambassadors reached the spot of the violence, later, to pay respects to the ones who lost their lives protesting against the government. "We are here to mourn the loss of life and also to show solidarity with the victims of the violence and abuse that has taken place over many Belarusian towns and cities over the last few days," EU envoy Dirk Schuebel said.

Belarus residents have been protesting against the sixth-term of the President&nbsp;Lukashenko, whom they accuse of rigging the election process to stay in power. However,&nbsp;Lukashenko has denied all allegations, claiming the protestors are colluding with foreign establishments and are criminals and unemployed people.

Belarus government started releasing the detained prisoners to declare peace between the government and the citizens. The prisoners had been detained while protesting against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's rule.

Belarus government started releasing the detained prisoners to declare peace between the government and the citizens. The prisoners had been detained while protesting against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's rule. The prisoners were released in the early hours of Friday and were greeted with friends and family who welcomed the detainees with tears, hugs, blankets, water and food. The government also took responsibility for the violence that erupted during the protests. "I take responsibility and apologise for injuries of random people at the protests who got it in the neck," said Minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Karayev. × The statement came after thousands of detained protestors complained of mistreatment in the cramped-up holding cells. Out of 6,700 detained protestors, hundreds of them came out with bruises over their bodies and face. Some of the detainees claimed they were beaten up after being dragged out of their cells. However, Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov declined any form of mistreatment or abuse in the holding cells. President's ally, the head of a national state council Natalya Kochanova, announced that the President had called for a review for the detentions made. "We don`t fight, we don`t need war," she said. Also read: Belarus says police detained about 700 protesters overnight While almost all prisoners were released from the Minsk detention centre, nearly two detainees lost their lives. EU Ambassadors reached the spot of the violence, later, to pay respects to the ones who lost their lives protesting against the government. "We are here to mourn the loss of life and also to show solidarity with the victims of the violence and abuse that has taken place over many Belarusian towns and cities over the last few days," EU envoy Dirk Schuebel said. Belarus residents have been protesting against the sixth-term of the President Lukashenko, whom they accuse of rigging the election process to stay in power. However, Lukashenko has denied all allegations, claiming the protestors are colluding with foreign establishments and are criminals and unemployed people.

Belarus protestors released; government denies violence in holding cells

Earlier this week Alexander Lukashenko took office for the 6th consecutive term as the President of Belarus. However, the people of Belarus have completely rejected the poll results. Watch report.

Belarus Protests: EU to discuss sanctions on Belarus

Warning Belarusian President of a civil war, Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich asked Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully.&nbsp;

Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Literature Prize for her work which detailed the plight of people under the repressive Soviet rule.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusians-should-have-the-freedoms-that-they-are-demanding-pompeo-319992">Belarusians should have the 'freedoms that they are demanding': Pompeo</a>

This was the first time the Nobel Prize-winning author commented on the protests that have erupted ever since Lukashenko won the controversial election in an interview to Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-lukashenko-refuses-to-relent-amid-protests-319806">Belarus President Lukashenko refuses to relent amid protests</a>

"Leave before it's too late, before you've thrown people into a terrible abyss, into the abyss of civil war," she said.&nbsp;

She further said that Lukashenko is obsessed with "power" which will "end up with blood" and blamed the authorities of "declaring war on their own people".&nbsp;

Expressing shock at the "inhumane, satanic" actions of riot police, Alexievich also hinted of Russian collaboration to deploy reinforcements.&nbsp;

She also spoke about frontline presidency candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, whom she backed ahead of the election, calling her a "symbol of change".&nbsp;

"She did what she could. I have nothing bad to say about her. Now let the men take the fore," the Nobel laureate said.&nbsp;

Alexievich also praised the protesters, saying: "I've simply fallen in love with my people over the last few weeks."

"These are completely different people, their strength is completely different. Before I used to be a bit disillusioned -- not now."

(With inputs from AFP)

Warning Belarusian President of a civil war, Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich asked Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully. Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Literature Prize for her work which detailed the plight of people under the repressive Soviet rule.

Warning Belarusian President of a civil war, Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich asked Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully. Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Literature Prize for her work which detailed the plight of people under the repressive Soviet rule. Also read | Belarusians should have the 'freedoms that they are demanding': Pompeo This was the first time the Nobel Prize-winning author commented on the protests that have erupted ever since Lukashenko won the controversial election in an interview to Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe. Also read | Belarus President Lukashenko refuses to relent amid protests "Leave before it's too late, before you've thrown people into a terrible abyss, into the abyss of civil war," she said. She further said that Lukashenko is obsessed with "power" which will "end up with blood" and blamed the authorities of "declaring war on their own people". Expressing shock at the "inhumane, satanic" actions of riot police, Alexievich also hinted of Russian collaboration to deploy reinforcements. She also spoke about frontline presidency candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, whom she backed ahead of the election, calling her a "symbol of change". "She did what she could. I have nothing bad to say about her. Now let the men take the fore," the Nobel laureate said. Alexievich also praised the protesters, saying: "I've simply fallen in love with my people over the last few weeks." "These are completely different people, their strength is completely different. Before I used to be a bit disillusioned -- not now." (With inputs from AFP)

Belarus: Nobel laureate asks President Alexander Lukashenko to step down

Alexander Lukashenko's iron grip over Belarus is being threatened by thousands of protesters who are now demanding democratic reforms and rights. Watch report.

Belarus Protests: Hundreds of women march on the streets, Protester dies in custody

Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions

Belarus has erupted in protest against President Alexander Lukashenko. He is accused of rigging the election. Ready to begin his sixth term as president - Lukashenko is doing all he can to retain power. That includes forcing the opposition leader out of the country.

Gravitas: Europe's Last Dictator Refuses To Give Up Throne

After questions were raised by some European nations, the United States has also expressed its concerns on Monday over the presidential election in Belarus.

US President Donald Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "intimidation of opposition candidates and the detention of peaceful protesters" were among several factors that "marred the process", in a reference to the elections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-election-challenger-demands-lukashenko-hand-over-power-319443">Belarus election challenger demands Lukashenko 'hand over power'</a>

"We urge the Belarussian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and refrain from use of force."&nbsp;

In Pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/water-cannons-tear-gas-stun-grenades-protesters-clash-with-belarus-police-after-election-results-319520">Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results</a>

The comments from the US came after thousands on Sunday protested in Minsk and other Belarusian cities, refusing to accept the election result which gave victory to incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko with over 80 per cent votes.

The protesters clashed with cops too, which led to detention of some 3,000 people and cops using violence to disperse the demonstrations.

There were calls for protests on Monday too in Minsk and hundreds participated too, but several areas which were part of demonstrations yesterday in the capital city were sealed off.&nbsp;

The police used stun grenades, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators across the country.&nbsp;

However, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was the biggest threat to Lukashenko, said she would not be joining protests, despite calling elections rigged and declaring herself as the winner.&nbsp;

"The authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power to us," said Tikhanovskaya in a press conference held on Monday.&nbsp;

European countries doubted the election results, with Britain saying the polls were "seriously flawed" and asked officials to "refrain from further acts of violence".

Germany also said that the elections raised "strong doubts", while France urged for restraint.&nbsp;

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping congratulated Lukashenko, who is in power for decades.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After questions were raised by some European nations, the United States has also expressed its concerns on Monday over the presidential election in Belarus. US President Donald Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "intimidation of opposition candidates and the detention of peaceful protesters" were among several factors that "marred the process", in a reference to the elections.

After questions were raised by some European nations, the United States has also expressed its concerns on Monday over the presidential election in Belarus. US President Donald Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said: "intimidation of opposition candidates and the detention of peaceful protesters" were among several factors that "marred the process", in a reference to the elections. Also read | Belarus election challenger demands Lukashenko 'hand over power' "We urge the Belarussian government to respect the right to peaceably assemble and refrain from use of force." In Pics | Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results The comments from the US came after thousands on Sunday protested in Minsk and other Belarusian cities, refusing to accept the election result which gave victory to incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko with over 80 per cent votes. The protesters clashed with cops too, which led to detention of some 3,000 people and cops using violence to disperse the demonstrations. There were calls for protests on Monday too in Minsk and hundreds participated too, but several areas which were part of demonstrations yesterday in the capital city were sealed off. The police used stun grenades, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators across the country. However, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was the biggest threat to Lukashenko, said she would not be joining protests, despite calling elections rigged and declaring herself as the winner. "The authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power to us," said Tikhanovskaya in a press conference held on Monday. European countries doubted the election results, with Britain saying the polls were "seriously flawed" and asked officials to "refrain from further acts of violence". Germany also said that the elections raised "strong doubts", while France urged for restraint. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping congratulated Lukashenko, who is in power for decades.

US joins chorus with European nations, raises concerns over Belarus elections

President Alexander Lukashenko is the king of&nbsp;Belarus. Europe's last dictator is not ready to give up his throne and by winning his sixth presidential election he is set to extend his 25-year rule but the Opposition says the election was rigged.

Western superpowers are backing popular opinion. Protesters stormed the streets demanding an end to Lukashenko's rule. In the midst of all this, the Opposition leader fled to Lithuania.&nbsp;A dictator stays in power by using threats and violence, Lukashenko is no different.

For seven hours, the Opposition leader in Belarus Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was in a meeting with government officials after that she went missing. Svetlana had gone to lodge a complaint against the election result. Alexander Lukashenko has grabbed the presidential seat for a sixth consecutive term. He has kept tight control over Belarus since 1994. The Opposition says Lukashenko rigged the election.

Svetlana who is a former English teacher had emerged from obscurity to threaten his rule. Her rallies drew some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. No one knows what transpired at her meeting with election officials but after coming out she fled to neighbouring Lithuania.

The government confirmed the news, soon Svetlana posted a video on Youtube saying she faced a difficult choice.

"I know that many people will understand me, but many will blame and hate me but you know, god forbid that you may face such a choice that I faced," she said.

Svetlana's campaign team says she was forced to leave and she chose life over politics. Her children were in Lithuania and her husband is in government detention one among the hundreds of anti-government figures arrested in the run-up to the election.

The anger against Lukashenko's methods boiled over after the election results were announced. People stormed the streets demanding Lukashenko's resignation as police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades and used batons to disperse thousands of people.

The protesters set up barricades and threw Molotov cocktails in defence. At least 3,000 protesters were arrested with half of them in the capital city of Minsk. President Lukashenko says they are sheep acting under the orders of foreign actors.

"There were calls from Poland, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. They controlled our, excuse me, sheep. Protesters do not understand what they are doing. They are already coming under someone's control," Lukashenko said.

Lukashenko wants no foreign interference, but he is facing the heat. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the election in Belarus was not free or fair. The European Union too holds the same opinion.

Germany has asked the EU to reimpose sanctions. Belarus suffered economic sanctions until Lukashenko agreed to release political prisoners in 2015 but Lukashenko has powerful friends. Authoritarian leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were the first to congratulate him after the election victory.&nbsp;

Now an internet blackout has left protesters in the dark with Svetlana in exile the road ahead is without light.

President Alexander Lukashenko is the king of Belarus. Europe's last dictator is not ready to give up his throne and by winning his sixth presidential election he is set to extend his 25-year rule but the Opposition says the election was rigged.

President Alexander Lukashenko is the king of Belarus. Europe's last dictator is not ready to give up his throne and by winning his sixth presidential election he is set to extend his 25-year rule but the Opposition says the election was rigged. Western superpowers are backing popular opinion. Protesters stormed the streets demanding an end to Lukashenko's rule. In the midst of all this, the Opposition leader fled to Lithuania. A dictator stays in power by using threats and violence, Lukashenko is no different. For seven hours, the Opposition leader in Belarus Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was in a meeting with government officials after that she went missing. Svetlana had gone to lodge a complaint against the election result. Alexander Lukashenko has grabbed the presidential seat for a sixth consecutive term. He has kept tight control over Belarus since 1994. The Opposition says Lukashenko rigged the election. Svetlana who is a former English teacher had emerged from obscurity to threaten his rule. Her rallies drew some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. No one knows what transpired at her meeting with election officials but after coming out she fled to neighbouring Lithuania. The government confirmed the news, soon Svetlana posted a video on Youtube saying she faced a difficult choice. "I know that many people will understand me, but many will blame and hate me but you know, god forbid that you may face such a choice that I faced," she said. Svetlana's campaign team says she was forced to leave and she chose life over politics. Her children were in Lithuania and her husband is in government detention one among the hundreds of anti-government figures arrested in the run-up to the election. The anger against Lukashenko's methods boiled over after the election results were announced. People stormed the streets demanding Lukashenko's resignation as police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades and used batons to disperse thousands of people. The protesters set up barricades and threw Molotov cocktails in defence. At least 3,000 protesters were arrested with half of them in the capital city of Minsk. President Lukashenko says they are sheep acting under the orders of foreign actors. "There were calls from Poland, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. They controlled our, excuse me, sheep. Protesters do not understand what they are doing. They are already coming under someone's control," Lukashenko said. Lukashenko wants no foreign interference, but he is facing the heat. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the election in Belarus was not free or fair. The European Union too holds the same opinion. Germany has asked the EU to reimpose sanctions. Belarus suffered economic sanctions until Lukashenko agreed to release political prisoners in 2015 but Lukashenko has powerful friends. Authoritarian leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were the first to congratulate him after the election victory. Now an internet blackout has left protesters in the dark with Svetlana in exile the road ahead is without light.

Belarus President Lukashenko refuses to relent amid protests

Belarus&nbsp;is navigating one of the biggest political crises in its post-Soviet history&nbsp;after the opposition rejected official election results handing President Alexander Lukashenko a landslide re-election victory.

A former Soviet collective farm manager, Alexander Lukashenko has ruled&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;since 1994. The 65-year-old has cast himself as a guarantor of stability, saying the state looks after most of its 9.5 million people's needs in the same way as the Soviet Union did.

Washington once called him Europe's last dictator. He has faced regular criticism from the West over human rights abuses, something he denies. By winning his sixth presidential election,&nbsp;he is set to extend his 25-year rule.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/water-cannons-tear-gas-stun-grenades-protesters-clash-with-belarus-police-after-election-results-319520">Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results</a>

Mass protests erupted after polls closed. The opposition says the election was rigged and that talks need to begin on a peaceful transfer of power.&nbsp;Western superpowers are backing this popular opinion.

Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanouskaya said on Tuesday she had fled to Lithuania for the sake of her children, after two nights of clashes following the contested re-election of strongman&nbsp;Lukashenko. The state border committee later confirmed her departure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-opposition-leader-tikhanouskaya-safe-in-lithuania-after-clashes-319685" hreflang="en">Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanouskaya 'safe' in Lithuania after clashes</a>

The announcement came after she was in meeting with government officials for seven hours. After that she&nbsp;went missing. She had gone to lodge a complaint against the election result.

Tikhanouskaya, a 37-year-old former English teacher, emerged from obscurity to mount the biggest challenge in years to Lukashenko, taking her husband's place in the campaign after he was jailed.&nbsp;

"And I know that many people will understand me, many will judge me and many will hate me. But, you know, God forbid being faced with such a choice the I was faced with," she said.

Her&nbsp;campaign team said on Tuesday that she had been forced to leave the country by the authorities.&nbsp;Her husband, Syarhei, had popularised a protest movement that compared Lukashenko to a cockroach character from a children's fairytale. He was arrested in May.

People stormed the streets, demanding Lukashenko's resignation, police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to keep them under control.&nbsp;

In defence, protesters set up barricades and threw molotov cocktails. 3000 protesters have been arrested, half of them in the capital city of Minsk.

President Lukashenko says they are sheep acting under the orders of foreign actors.&nbsp;

"There were calls from Poland, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. They controlled our, excuse me, sheep. Protesters do not understand what they are doing. They are already coming under someone's control."

Lukashenko wants no foreign interference, but he is facing the heat.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the election was "not free and fair" and condemned "ongoing violence against protesters and the detention of opposition supporters".

Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;since 1995, and the run-up to this month's vote saw authorities jail Lukashenko's rivals and open criminal investigations of others who voiced opposition.

Belarus is navigating one of the biggest political crises in its post-Soviet history after the opposition rejected official election results handing President Alexander Lukashenko a landslide re-election victory.

Belarus is navigating one of the biggest political crises in its post-Soviet history after the opposition rejected official election results handing President Alexander Lukashenko a landslide re-election victory. A former Soviet collective farm manager, Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994. The 65-year-old has cast himself as a guarantor of stability, saying the state looks after most of its 9.5 million people's needs in the same way as the Soviet Union did. Washington once called him Europe's last dictator. He has faced regular criticism from the West over human rights abuses, something he denies. By winning his sixth presidential election, he is set to extend his 25-year rule. Also see: Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results Mass protests erupted after polls closed. The opposition says the election was rigged and that talks need to begin on a peaceful transfer of power. Western superpowers are backing this popular opinion. Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanouskaya said on Tuesday she had fled to Lithuania for the sake of her children, after two nights of clashes following the contested re-election of strongman Lukashenko. The state border committee later confirmed her departure. Also read: Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanouskaya 'safe' in Lithuania after clashes The announcement came after she was in meeting with government officials for seven hours. After that she went missing. She had gone to lodge a complaint against the election result. Tikhanouskaya, a 37-year-old former English teacher, emerged from obscurity to mount the biggest challenge in years to Lukashenko, taking her husband's place in the campaign after he was jailed. "And I know that many people will understand me, many will judge me and many will hate me. But, you know, God forbid being faced with such a choice the I was faced with," she said. Her campaign team said on Tuesday that she had been forced to leave the country by the authorities. Her husband, Syarhei, had popularised a protest movement that compared Lukashenko to a cockroach character from a children's fairytale. He was arrested in May. People stormed the streets, demanding Lukashenko's resignation, police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to keep them under control. In defence, protesters set up barricades and threw molotov cocktails. 3000 protesters have been arrested, half of them in the capital city of Minsk. President Lukashenko says they are sheep acting under the orders of foreign actors. "There were calls from Poland, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic. They controlled our, excuse me, sheep. Protesters do not understand what they are doing. They are already coming under someone's control." Lukashenko wants no foreign interference, but he is facing the heat. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the election was "not free and fair" and condemned "ongoing violence against protesters and the detention of opposition supporters". Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus since 1995, and the run-up to this month's vote saw authorities jail Lukashenko's rivals and open criminal investigations of others who voiced opposition.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko facing criticism amid claims of rigged elections

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has called the protesters 'sheep', who are being controlled by foreign influences. Watch report.

Political unrest in Minsk | Landslide win for Europe's last Dictator | Alexander Lukashenko

The international community has expressed concern over the disputed election result in Belarus after Europe's last dictator Alexander Lukashenko won its record sixth term in office. Watch report.

US deeply concerned by Belarus polls: Germany warns of sanctions over vote

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide re-election victory, the central election commission said on Monday, after bloody clashes between riot police and thousands of protesters who said the poll was rigged.

Figures from the election commission said Lukashenko had won 80% of the vote in Sunday's election. Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who emerged from obscurity to become his main rival, won 9.9% of the vote, the data showed.

Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus since 1995, and the run-up to the vote saw authorities jail Lukashenko's rivals and open criminal investigations into others who voiced opposition.

A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994, but is facing his biggest challenge in years to keep his grip on power amid disenchantment in some quarters over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and his patchy human rights record.

The streets were quiet in the capital Minsk and other cities after violence on Sunday night when police used force to try to disperse thousands of protesters who gathered after polls closed to denounce what they said were illegitimate elections.

Protesters clapped, shouted "victory", waved flags and honked car horns in solidarity with the opposition. Some built barricades with garbage cans. Police fired water cannons, tear gas and stun grenades to try to force people to go home.

Video footage showed helmeted police forcefully detaining protesters and a police van hit a crowd of people in Minsk, witnesses said.

Spring 96, a rights group, said at least one person had been killed in the van incident. It said dozens had been injured in the clashes and that over 100 people had been detained.

Authorities said nobody had lost their life in the violence, but that 10 police officers had been injured.

Tikhanouskaya, who entered the race after her blogger husband who intended to run was jailed, was expected to speak later on Monday.

On Sunday, she called on her supporters to prevent what she called provocations and for authorities to refrain from violence. Her rallies have drawn some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Lukashenko's attempts to crack down on protests could hurt his wider effort to mend fences with the West amid fraying ties with traditional ally Russia, which has tried to press Belarus into closer economic and political union.

Human rights groups say more than 1,300 people were detained in the crackdown ahead of the election, including independent election observers and members of Tikhanouskaya's campaign team.

After casting his vote on Sunday, Lukashenko denied imposing repressive measures as "fake news or far-fetched accusations".

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide re-election victory, the central election commission said on Monday, after bloody clashes between riot police and thousands of protesters who said the poll was rigged.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko won a landslide re-election victory, the central election commission said on Monday, after bloody clashes between riot police and thousands of protesters who said the poll was rigged. Figures from the election commission said Lukashenko had won 80% of the vote in Sunday's election. Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who emerged from obscurity to become his main rival, won 9.9% of the vote, the data showed. Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus since 1995, and the run-up to the vote saw authorities jail Lukashenko's rivals and open criminal investigations into others who voiced opposition. A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has ruled the country since 1994, but is facing his biggest challenge in years to keep his grip on power amid disenchantment in some quarters over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and his patchy human rights record. The streets were quiet in the capital Minsk and other cities after violence on Sunday night when police used force to try to disperse thousands of protesters who gathered after polls closed to denounce what they said were illegitimate elections. Protesters clapped, shouted "victory", waved flags and honked car horns in solidarity with the opposition. Some built barricades with garbage cans. Police fired water cannons, tear gas and stun grenades to try to force people to go home. Video footage showed helmeted police forcefully detaining protesters and a police van hit a crowd of people in Minsk, witnesses said. Spring 96, a rights group, said at least one person had been killed in the van incident. It said dozens had been injured in the clashes and that over 100 people had been detained. Authorities said nobody had lost their life in the violence, but that 10 police officers had been injured. Tikhanouskaya, who entered the race after her blogger husband who intended to run was jailed, was expected to speak later on Monday. On Sunday, she called on her supporters to prevent what she called provocations and for authorities to refrain from violence. Her rallies have drawn some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Lukashenko's attempts to crack down on protests could hurt his wider effort to mend fences with the West amid fraying ties with traditional ally Russia, which has tried to press Belarus into closer economic and political union. Human rights groups say more than 1,300 people were detained in the crackdown ahead of the election, including independent election observers and members of Tikhanouskaya's campaign team. After casting his vote on Sunday, Lukashenko denied imposing repressive measures as "fake news or far-fetched accusations".

Belarusian president Lukashenko re-elected by landslide, say official results

Belarus votes in an election on Sunday pitting President Alexander Lukashenko against a former teacher who emerged from obscurity to lead the biggest challenge in years against the man once dubbed "Europe`s last dictator" by Washington.

The 65-year-old Lukashenko is almost certain to win a sixth consecutive term but could face a new wave of protests amid anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and his human rights record.

An ongoing crackdown on the opposition could hurt Lukashenko`s attempts to mend fences with the West amid fraying ties with traditional ally Russia, which has tried to press Belarus into closer economic and political union.

A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has ruled since 1994.

He faces a surprise rival in Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who entered the race after her husband, an anti-government blogger who intended to run, was jailed.

Her rallies have drawn some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Human rights groups say more than 1,300 people have been detained in a widening crackdown.

Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus for a quarter of a century. Despite an election commission ban on the opposition holding an alternative vote count, Tikhanouskaya urged her supporters to monitor polling stations.

"We are in the majority and we don`t need blood on the city streets," she said on Saturday. "Let`s defend our right to choose together."

Portraying himself as a guarantor of stability, Lukashenko says the opposition protesters are in cahoots with foreign backers, including a group of 33 suspected Russian mercenaries detained in July and accused of plotting "acts of terrorism".

Analysts said their detention could be used as a pretext for a sharper crackdown after the vote.

"Lukashenko a priori made it clear that he intends to retain his power at any cost. The question remains what the price will be," said political analyst Alexander Klaskovsky.

Belarus votes in an election on Sunday pitting President Alexander Lukashenko against a former teacher who emerged from obscurity to lead the biggest challenge in years against the man once dubbed "Europe`s last dictator" by Washington.

Belarus votes in an election on Sunday pitting President Alexander Lukashenko against a former teacher who emerged from obscurity to lead the biggest challenge in years against the man once dubbed "Europe`s last dictator" by Washington. The 65-year-old Lukashenko is almost certain to win a sixth consecutive term but could face a new wave of protests amid anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and his human rights record. An ongoing crackdown on the opposition could hurt Lukashenko`s attempts to mend fences with the West amid fraying ties with traditional ally Russia, which has tried to press Belarus into closer economic and political union. A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has ruled since 1994. He faces a surprise rival in Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, a former English teacher who entered the race after her husband, an anti-government blogger who intended to run, was jailed. Her rallies have drawn some of the biggest crowds since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Human rights groups say more than 1,300 people have been detained in a widening crackdown. Foreign observers have not judged an election to be free and fair in Belarus for a quarter of a century. Despite an election commission ban on the opposition holding an alternative vote count, Tikhanouskaya urged her supporters to monitor polling stations. "We are in the majority and we don`t need blood on the city streets," she said on Saturday. "Let`s defend our right to choose together." Portraying himself as a guarantor of stability, Lukashenko says the opposition protesters are in cahoots with foreign backers, including a group of 33 suspected Russian mercenaries detained in July and accused of plotting "acts of terrorism". Analysts said their detention could be used as a pretext for a sharper crackdown after the vote. "Lukashenko a priori made it clear that he intends to retain his power at any cost. The question remains what the price will be," said political analyst Alexander Klaskovsky.

Belarus holds election as street protests rattle strongman president

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday accused Russia of lying about the presence of Russian security contractors in Belarus and said unnamed forces were trying to carry out a revolution but would fail.

The 65-year-old has ruled over the ex-Soviet country wedged between Russia and Europe with an authoritarian grip for 26 years and has cracked down on the country's emboldened opposition in the lead-up to Sunday's election.

Belarus detained the Russian contractors last week and opened a criminal case into them, saying it suspected "the preparation of terrorist acts". It suggested the men may be linked to Lukashenko's political rivals.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belarus-suspects-russian-mercenaries-preparing-acts-of-terrorism-318059/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia, traditionally a close ally, has said the detained men were merely transiting via Belarus en route to a third country and had no plans to try to influence Belarusian domestic politics.

During a televised address to the nation, Lukashenko slammed what he said were attempts by his opponents to organise "a massacre" on the streets of the capital Minsk, claiming his critics were being backed by "billion-dollar resources" to create unrest.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

"Will Belarus survive? Will it survive this hybrid war?" he said, sweating profusely and repeatedly mopping his brow.

"We will not give the country to you. Independence is expensive, but it is worth it," he said during his speech which lasted more than an hour and a half.

There was no immediate reaction from Moscow, which has in the past dismissed Lukashenko's criticism of it as emotional.

Lukashenko used his speech to cast himself as a guarantor of stability in a chaotic world and pledged to protect his country from rivals he portrayed as childish wreckers being controlled by "puppet masters" abroad.

The former collective farm director turned Europe's longest-serving ruler is seeking a sixth term in the upcoming ballot after barring his main rivals from contesting the vote and jailing some of them.

He has accused European countries and Russia of meddling in the elections and last week the Belarusian security service, the KGB, arrested 33 Russian "militants" that the authorities said were plotting mass riots with the opposition.

&nbsp;

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday accused Russia of lying about the presence of Russian security contractors in Belarus and said unnamed forces were trying to carry out a revolution but would fail.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday accused Russia of lying about the presence of Russian security contractors in Belarus and said unnamed forces were trying to carry out a revolution but would fail. The 65-year-old has ruled over the ex-Soviet country wedged between Russia and Europe with an authoritarian grip for 26 years and has cracked down on the country's emboldened opposition in the lead-up to Sunday's election. Belarus detained the Russian contractors last week and opened a criminal case into them, saying it suspected "the preparation of terrorist acts". It suggested the men may be linked to Lukashenko's political rivals. Russia, traditionally a close ally, has said the detained men were merely transiting via Belarus en route to a third country and had no plans to try to influence Belarusian domestic politics. During a televised address to the nation, Lukashenko slammed what he said were attempts by his opponents to organise "a massacre" on the streets of the capital Minsk, claiming his critics were being backed by "billion-dollar resources" to create unrest. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies "Will Belarus survive? Will it survive this hybrid war?" he said, sweating profusely and repeatedly mopping his brow. "We will not give the country to you. Independence is expensive, but it is worth it," he said during his speech which lasted more than an hour and a half. There was no immediate reaction from Moscow, which has in the past dismissed Lukashenko's criticism of it as emotional. Lukashenko used his speech to cast himself as a guarantor of stability in a chaotic world and pledged to protect his country from rivals he portrayed as childish wreckers being controlled by "puppet masters" abroad. The former collective farm director turned Europe's longest-serving ruler is seeking a sixth term in the upcoming ballot after barring his main rivals from contesting the vote and jailing some of them. He has accused European countries and Russia of meddling in the elections and last week the Belarusian security service, the KGB, arrested 33 Russian "militants" that the authorities said were plotting mass riots with the opposition.

Belarus leader accuses Russia of 'lying', warns of 'revolution' plot

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans.

The arrests this week, shortly before an August 9 presidential election in Belarus, could further strain relations between Minsk and its traditional ally Russia, which soured after the neighbours failed to agree on an oil supply contract for this year.

Russia said on Thursday that the men, who it described as employees of a private security firm, had stayed in Belarus after missing their connecting flight to Istanbul.

President Alexander Lukashenko cast doubt on this version on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-russians-plotted-attacks-kremlin-denies-317199">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies</a>

“There was no Istanbul... It’s clear that the group has had another goals. It is the task of the investigation to find out about those goals”, he said, according to state news agency, after hearing reports from the heads of state security and investigation committee.

He said there had been no agreement with Russia for the men to be in the country, while adding that Belarus is open to cooperate with Russia on the issue.

Belarusian authorities said earlier this week that the men were arrested after Minsk received information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destablise it.

On Friday, Alexander Agafonov, the head of the Belarusian investigative group that is handling the case, said that the men - some of whom were wearing army fatigues - had no plans to fly further to Istanbul and said they had given “contradictory accounts” about the purpose of their stay in Belarus.

He was quoted as saying that 11 of the arrested men had told authorities they planned to fly on to Venezuela, 15 - to Turkey, two - to Cuba and one to Syria. Another said he did not know his destination, while three refused to make a statement.

Links to opposition 
Authorities in Minsk said on Thursday they believe the husband of opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the group, launching a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots.

Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, rejected any connection between the detained men and domestic affairs in Belarus.

Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Saturday he hoped the incident would be resolved in the interest of “brotherly” relations between the countries.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans.

A dispute between Moscow and Minsk over the detention of more than 30 men who Belarus accused of being Russian mercenaries deepened on Saturday, as the two sides contradicted each other about the group’s plans. The arrests this week, shortly before an August 9 presidential election in Belarus, could further strain relations between Minsk and its traditional ally Russia, which soured after the neighbours failed to agree on an oil supply contract for this year. Russia said on Thursday that the men, who it described as employees of a private security firm, had stayed in Belarus after missing their connecting flight to Istanbul. President Alexander Lukashenko cast doubt on this version on Saturday. Also read: Belarus says Russians plotted attacks; Kremlin denies “There was no Istanbul... It’s clear that the group has had another goals. It is the task of the investigation to find out about those goals”, he said, according to state news agency, after hearing reports from the heads of state security and investigation committee. He said there had been no agreement with Russia for the men to be in the country, while adding that Belarus is open to cooperate with Russia on the issue. Belarusian authorities said earlier this week that the men were arrested after Minsk received information that more than 200 fighters had entered the country to destablise it. On Friday, Alexander Agafonov, the head of the Belarusian investigative group that is handling the case, said that the men - some of whom were wearing army fatigues - had no plans to fly further to Istanbul and said they had given “contradictory accounts” about the purpose of their stay in Belarus. He was quoted as saying that 11 of the arrested men had told authorities they planned to fly on to Venezuela, 15 - to Turkey, two - to Cuba and one to Syria. Another said he did not know his destination, while three refused to make a statement. Links to opposition Authorities in Minsk said on Thursday they believe the husband of opposition presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the group, launching a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots. Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, rejected any connection between the detained men and domestic affairs in Belarus. Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Saturday he hoped the incident would be resolved in the interest of “brotherly” relations between the countries.

Russia and Belarus at odds over arrest of suspected mercenaries

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who once famously termed COVID-19 as 'psychosis', has said he contracted coronavirus but recovered without suffering any symptoms.

Lukashenko, 65, has resisted calls for strict lockdown measures to contain the pandemic, dismissing fears about COVID-19 as a “psychosis” and suggesting remedies such as drinking vodka, taking saunas and playing ice hockey.

Public frustration over his handling of the pandemic has fuelled the biggest protests in years against his rule ahead of a presidential election on August&nbsp;9. He has jailed two of his main electoral rivals in a widening crackdown on dissent.

"I apologise for my voice, lately I have to talk a lot. But the most surprising thing is that today you are seeing a person who managed to power through coronavirus standing on his feet," he said on Tuesday during a visit to a military base, according to state-run news agency Belta.

"Like I said, 97% of our people go through this illness without symptoms and thank God I've managed to get into this group of asymptomatic people," added Lukashenko.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in fact estimates that about 40% of people infected with Covid-19 don't experience any symptoms.

Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994, has not limited his own public appearances during the pandemic and went ahead with an annual military parade in May.

Belarus, with a population of 9.5 million, has registered 67,366 coronavirus infections with 543 deaths.

Lukashenko did not say when or how he might have contracted the virus. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Moscow last month. Putin was fine, TASS news agency quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who once famously termed COVID-19 as 'psychosis', has said he contracted coronavirus but recovered without suffering any symptoms.

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, who once famously termed COVID-19 as 'psychosis', has said he contracted coronavirus but recovered without suffering any symptoms. Lukashenko, 65, has resisted calls for strict lockdown measures to contain the pandemic, dismissing fears about COVID-19 as a “psychosis” and suggesting remedies such as drinking vodka, taking saunas and playing ice hockey. Public frustration over his handling of the pandemic has fuelled the biggest protests in years against his rule ahead of a presidential election on August 9. He has jailed two of his main electoral rivals in a widening crackdown on dissent. "I apologise for my voice, lately I have to talk a lot. But the most surprising thing is that today you are seeing a person who managed to power through coronavirus standing on his feet," he said on Tuesday during a visit to a military base, according to state-run news agency Belta. "Like I said, 97% of our people go through this illness without symptoms and thank God I've managed to get into this group of asymptomatic people," added Lukashenko. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in fact estimates that about 40% of people infected with Covid-19 don't experience any symptoms. Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994, has not limited his own public appearances during the pandemic and went ahead with an annual military parade in May. Belarus, with a population of 9.5 million, has registered 67,366 coronavirus infections with 543 deaths. Lukashenko did not say when or how he might have contracted the virus. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Moscow last month. Putin was fine, TASS news agency quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Belarus president, who dismissed COVID-19 as 'psychosis', says he caught it and recovered

Belarus authorities raided the offices of a prominent rights group Saturday, detaining dozens of people, including foreign rights workers, ahead of a planned protest by opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko.

The police also detained dozens in the streets and seized a leading opposition leader, Vladimir Nekliayev, as he was returning from Poland, taking him off the train at the border and placing him in a detention facility.

Scores of people that turned up for the 2:00 pm (1100 GMT) rally were grabbed by riot police and placed in vans, including several journalists. Some were beaten, an AFP correspondent observed.

Viasna, a nongovernmental organisation that had been tracking arrests and protest rallies across Belarus in recent weeks, said riot police had broke down the door, &quot;put people face down on the floor and told them to stay there&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;There were 57 people detained, including foreign observers,&quot; it said on its website.

Viasna&#39;s director, Ales Beliatski, later told AFP that about 1,000 people had been detained Saturday.

The people seized at Viasna&#39;s offices were taken to a police station, where they were told they are &quot;suspected of banditism,&quot; searched and let out of the station in small groups after most of the protest had been broken up, the group&#39;s lawyer Anastasiya Loiko said.

&quot;They put us on the ground, and they took some telephones,&quot; Masha Chichtchenkova, a Franco-Belarusian member of Front Line Defenders, told AFP after her release.

&quot;They put us in a minibus and took us to a gymnasium,&quot; she said.Saturday&#39;s protest was the latest in a series of events against Lukashenko&#39;s authoritarian regime, and the largest since the mass demonstrations that followed his disputed re-election in December 2010.

Thousands have attended rallies in recent weeks to oppose a controversial new tax on &quot;spongers&quot; or &quot;freeloaders&quot; -- those who work less than six months a year -- as the country suffers an economic slump, with the swell in protests alarming the government.

Authorities late Friday told organisers that the event would be illegal. On Saturday, scores of armoured police trucks and water cannons, as well as officers with automatic rifles, were deployed in the city.

The European Commission called for all detained protesters to be &quot;immediately released&quot; by the authorities.

&quot;Respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, including of expression, association and assembly, needs to be upheld,&quot; the commission&#39;&#39;s delegation to Belarus said in a statement.

Dozens had already been arrested in the days ahead of Saturday&#39;s event, as state television aired reports of alleged weapons caches discovered while police armed with automatic rifles were in the city centre for the first time in decades.

But there was no mention of the harsh crackdown by state media outlets on Saturday evening.

The police had blocked off the Minsk square where the protest was to start and sealed off metro exits, and hauling off several people at the scene into vans.

But several hundred others managed to walk with Belarusian red-and-white flags shouting &quot;Shame!&quot; before being broken up as riot police brandishing shields lined up to block main streets.

Several journalists were also detained in Minsk and in Gomel, a city in southeastern Belarus, according to the Belarus Association of Journalists.

The team from Belsat, an opposition channel based in Poland, had their camera smashed, it said.

Amnesty International said on its Russian-language Twitter account that dozens of people were grabbed off the street &quot;indiscriminately&quot;.

Nekliayev, the opposition leader who was set to speak at the protest, was stopped at the border Saturday morning on his way to Minsk, his wife told AFP.

&quot;He is in a detention facility in Brest,&quot; Olga Nekliayeva said, referring to the city in southwestern Belarus close to the Polish border.

Many had planned to travel to the capital from the provinces for the protest, but the Belarusian railway monopoly halted online sales for several hours overnight Friday to Saturday, ostensibly for &quot;technical works&quot;.

(AFP)

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Thousands have attended rallies in recent weeks to oppose a controversial new tax on those who work less than six months a year as the country suffers an economic slump

Belarus authorities raided the offices of a prominent rights group Saturday, detaining dozens of people, including foreign rights workers, ahead of a planned protest by opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko. The police also detained dozens in the streets and seized a leading opposition leader, Vladimir Nekliayev, as he was returning from Poland, taking him off the train at the border and placing him in a detention facility. Scores of people that turned up for the 2:00 pm (1100 GMT) rally were grabbed by riot police and placed in vans, including several journalists. Some were beaten, an AFP correspondent observed. Viasna, a nongovernmental organisation that had been tracking arrests and protest rallies across Belarus in recent weeks, said riot police had broke down the door, "put people face down on the floor and told them to stay there". "There were 57 people detained, including foreign observers," it said on its website. Viasna's director, Ales Beliatski, later told AFP that about 1,000 people had been detained Saturday. The people seized at Viasna's offices were taken to a police station, where they were told they are "suspected of banditism," searched and let out of the station in small groups after most of the protest had been broken up, the group's lawyer Anastasiya Loiko said. "They put us on the ground, and they took some telephones," Masha Chichtchenkova, a Franco-Belarusian member of Front Line Defenders, told AFP after her release. "They put us in a minibus and took us to a gymnasium," she said.Saturday's protest was the latest in a series of events against Lukashenko's authoritarian regime, and the largest since the mass demonstrations that followed his disputed re-election in December 2010. Thousands have attended rallies in recent weeks to oppose a controversial new tax on "spongers" or "freeloaders" -- those who work less than six months a year -- as the country suffers an economic slump, with the swell in protests alarming the government. Authorities late Friday told organisers that the event would be illegal. On Saturday, scores of armoured police trucks and water cannons, as well as officers with automatic rifles, were deployed in the city. The European Commission called for all detained protesters to be "immediately released" by the authorities. "Respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, including of expression, association and assembly, needs to be upheld," the commission''s delegation to Belarus said in a statement. Dozens had already been arrested in the days ahead of Saturday's event, as state television aired reports of alleged weapons caches discovered while police armed with automatic rifles were in the city centre for the first time in decades. But there was no mention of the harsh crackdown by state media outlets on Saturday evening. The police had blocked off the Minsk square where the protest was to start and sealed off metro exits, and hauling off several people at the scene into vans. But several hundred others managed to walk with Belarusian red-and-white flags shouting "Shame!" before being broken up as riot police brandishing shields lined up to block main streets. Several journalists were also detained in Minsk and in Gomel, a city in southeastern Belarus, according to the Belarus Association of Journalists. The team from Belsat, an opposition channel based in Poland, had their camera smashed, it said. Amnesty International said on its Russian-language Twitter account that dozens of people were grabbed off the street "indiscriminately". Nekliayev, the opposition leader who was set to speak at the protest, was stopped at the border Saturday morning on his way to Minsk, his wife told AFP. "He is in a detention facility in Brest," Olga Nekliayeva said, referring to the city in southwestern Belarus close to the Polish border. Many had planned to travel to the capital from the provinces for the protest, but the Belarusian railway monopoly halted online sales for several hours overnight Friday to Saturday, ostensibly for "technical works". (AFP)

Belarus: Scores arrested for protesting against President Alexander Lukashenko, tax on under-employed

In a bid to gather support for its membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a top Pakistan official on Tuesday embarked on a visit to Belarus and Kazakhstan.&nbsp; 
 
As a special envoy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, special assistant to the prime minister on foreign affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi is undertaking visits to Belarus and Kazakhstan betweeen August 23 to 27, the foreign office said in a statement. 
 
&quot;The objective of the visits is to seek the two friendly countries&#39; support for Pakistan&#39;s membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group,&quot; it said. 
 
Fatemi, according to official sources, is carrying letters from Sharif addressed to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. 
 
&quot;In his letters, the Prime Minister has underscored the need for the NSG to adopt a non-discriminatory approach on the question of the membership for non-NPT states in order to promote strategic stability in South Asia and strengthen the global non-proliferation regime,&quot; the Foreign Office said. 
 
In Belarus, Fatemi will call on President Lukashenko and will hold meetings with foreign minister Vladimir Makei, deputy foreign minister Valentin Rybakov and minister of industry Vitali Vovk, it said. 
 
In Kazakhstan, the Special Assistant&#39;s programme would include meetings with Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov and Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan M Ashikbayev. 
 
Arguably, Pakistan faces a tough challenge in gaining entry into the nuclear trading club as it has failed to get the support of the US which is pushing for India&#39;s membership. 
 
China is leading opposition to a push by the United States to bring India into the NSG which aims to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation by stopping the sale of items that can be used to make nuclear arms.&nbsp; 
 
Last week, India and China agreed to continue discussions to narrow down their differences over New Delhi&#39;s membership of the elite NSG during Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi&#39;s visit to the country, &nbsp;foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup informed.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Pakistan faces a tough challenge in gaining entry into the nuclear trading club as it has failed to get the support of the US which is pushing for India's membership

In a bid to gather support for its membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), a top Pakistan official on Tuesday embarked on a visit to Belarus and Kazakhstan. As a special envoy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, special assistant to the prime minister on foreign affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi is undertaking visits to Belarus and Kazakhstan betweeen August 23 to 27, the foreign office said in a statement. "The objective of the visits is to seek the two friendly countries' support for Pakistan's membership of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group," it said. Fatemi, according to official sources, is carrying letters from Sharif addressed to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. "In his letters, the Prime Minister has underscored the need for the NSG to adopt a non-discriminatory approach on the question of the membership for non-NPT states in order to promote strategic stability in South Asia and strengthen the global non-proliferation regime," the Foreign Office said. In Belarus, Fatemi will call on President Lukashenko and will hold meetings with foreign minister Vladimir Makei, deputy foreign minister Valentin Rybakov and minister of industry Vitali Vovk, it said. In Kazakhstan, the Special Assistant's programme would include meetings with Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov and Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan M Ashikbayev. Arguably, Pakistan faces a tough challenge in gaining entry into the nuclear trading club as it has failed to get the support of the US which is pushing for India's membership. China is leading opposition to a push by the United States to bring India into the NSG which aims to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation by stopping the sale of items that can be used to make nuclear arms. Last week, India and China agreed to continue discussions to narrow down their differences over New Delhi's membership of the elite NSG during Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's visit to the country, foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup informed. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's NSG bid: Nawaz Sharif's envoy embarks on visit to Belarus, Kazakhstan