Belarus locals formed a human chain leading to a detention center in Minsk to protest against the corrupt government and the re-election of the&nbsp;President Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Belarus opposition challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya voiced defiance on Friday after President Alexander Lukashenko's government opened a criminal probe into attempts to "seize power".

In her first public comments since fleeing to Lithuania, Tikhanovskaya said Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after a crackdown on mass protests following a disputed August 9 election.

"They can never forgive and forget all the violence that our citizens have suffered," she said.

Tikhanovskaya, a political novice who only put forward her candidacy when her blogger husband was arrested ahead of the vote, also told reporters she loved her homeland and planned to return "when I feel safe there".

"It should be clear to the president that there is a need for change. I hope that good sense prevails and the people will be heard and there will be new elections," she said, declining to comment on whether she would be a candidate in any fresh vote.

A nervous-looking Tikhanovskaya also refused to answer questions about her own safety or about what compelled her to leave Belarus in the aftermath of the election.

"As for threats, you know I don't think I would like to discuss this question now," she said in English.

"Every person in our country feels fear and is scared now, but it's our mission to step over all our fears and move further."

Supporters and the Lithuanian government have said she had little choice but to leave after coming under intense pressure from the authorities during a meeting at the Central Election Commission in Minsk.

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'Fear and falsehoods'

Tikhanovskaya's campaign helped to inspire unprecedented mass protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule in the former Soviet republic.

The strongman claimed a sixth term with 80 per cent of the vote in the poll. &nbsp;

The EU has rejected Lukashenko's re-election and is planning sanctions against those it holds responsible for violence against protesters.

Lukashenko said on Friday he would resolve the political crisis "in the coming days".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-urges-dialogue-between-belarusian-authorities-and-citizens-to-resolve-crisis-322203">Also read:&nbsp;Russia urges dialogue between Belarusian authorities and citizens to resolve crisis</a>

He also accused the United States of "directing" the anti-government protesters in order to create a buffer zone with Belarus, the three Baltic states and Ukraine between Russia.

Asked about Russian support for Lukashenko, Tikhanovskaya said: "I call on all countries of the world to respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Belarus."

"We don't want to live in fear and falsehoods any more," she said, calling for striking workers to liaise with a Coordination Council she set up to organise pro-democracy protests.

"The creation of the Coordination Council is aimed at negotiating a peaceful handover of power."

'Intimidation' accusation

Belarus on Thursday opened a criminal probe into the Coordination Council, saying it was an unconstitutional attempt to topple Lukashenko.

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Lawyer Maxim Znak, a member of the council, was cheered as he arrived for questioning at the Minsk offices of the investigative committee, supporters chanting: "One for all, all for one!"

The EU on Friday demanded that Belarus halt the investigation, accusing the government of "intimidation".

"The Coordination Council, which consists of representatives of different parts of Belarusian society, reached out to the authorities for a dialogue and the authorities answered with the opening of a criminal case," EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said in a statement.

"In doing so, the Belarusian state authorities have once again reverted to intimidation based on political grounds," she said.

"We expect the Belarusian authorities to stop the criminal case and instead to engage in a dialogue in view of moving towards a peaceful way out of the current crisis."

The United Nations on Friday said it was "seriously concerned" about more than 100 people still being detained in Belarus in connection with the protests, even though several thousand more have been released.

"We call on the authorities in Belarus to immediately release all those who have been unlawfully or arbitrarily detained," said Elizabeth Throssel, a spokeswoman for the UN human rights office.

Belarus locals formed a human chain leading to a detention center in Minsk to protest against the corrupt government and the re-election of the President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus locals formed a human chain leading to a detention center in Minsk to protest against the corrupt government and the re-election of the President Alexander Lukashenko. Belarus opposition challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya voiced defiance on Friday after President Alexander Lukashenko's government opened a criminal probe into attempts to "seize power". In her first public comments since fleeing to Lithuania, Tikhanovskaya said Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after a crackdown on mass protests following a disputed August 9 election. "They can never forgive and forget all the violence that our citizens have suffered," she said. Tikhanovskaya, a political novice who only put forward her candidacy when her blogger husband was arrested ahead of the vote, also told reporters she loved her homeland and planned to return "when I feel safe there". "It should be clear to the president that there is a need for change. I hope that good sense prevails and the people will be heard and there will be new elections," she said, declining to comment on whether she would be a candidate in any fresh vote. A nervous-looking Tikhanovskaya also refused to answer questions about her own safety or about what compelled her to leave Belarus in the aftermath of the election. "As for threats, you know I don't think I would like to discuss this question now," she said in English. "Every person in our country feels fear and is scared now, but it's our mission to step over all our fears and move further." Supporters and the Lithuanian government have said she had little choice but to leave after coming under intense pressure from the authorities during a meeting at the Central Election Commission in Minsk. × 'Fear and falsehoods' Tikhanovskaya's campaign helped to inspire unprecedented mass protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule in the former Soviet republic. The strongman claimed a sixth term with 80 per cent of the vote in the poll. The EU has rejected Lukashenko's re-election and is planning sanctions against those it holds responsible for violence against protesters. Lukashenko said on Friday he would resolve the political crisis "in the coming days". Also read: Russia urges dialogue between Belarusian authorities and citizens to resolve crisis He also accused the United States of "directing" the anti-government protesters in order to create a buffer zone with Belarus, the three Baltic states and Ukraine between Russia. Asked about Russian support for Lukashenko, Tikhanovskaya said: "I call on all countries of the world to respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Belarus." "We don't want to live in fear and falsehoods any more," she said, calling for striking workers to liaise with a Coordination Council she set up to organise pro-democracy protests. "The creation of the Coordination Council is aimed at negotiating a peaceful handover of power." 'Intimidation' accusation Belarus on Thursday opened a criminal probe into the Coordination Council, saying it was an unconstitutional attempt to topple Lukashenko. × Lawyer Maxim Znak, a member of the council, was cheered as he arrived for questioning at the Minsk offices of the investigative committee, supporters chanting: "One for all, all for one!" The EU on Friday demanded that Belarus halt the investigation, accusing the government of "intimidation". "The Coordination Council, which consists of representatives of different parts of Belarusian society, reached out to the authorities for a dialogue and the authorities answered with the opening of a criminal case," EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Nabila Massrali said in a statement. "In doing so, the Belarusian state authorities have once again reverted to intimidation based on political grounds," she said. "We expect the Belarusian authorities to stop the criminal case and instead to engage in a dialogue in view of moving towards a peaceful way out of the current crisis." The United Nations on Friday said it was "seriously concerned" about more than 100 people still being detained in Belarus in connection with the protests, even though several thousand more have been released. "We call on the authorities in Belarus to immediately release all those who have been unlawfully or arbitrarily detained," said Elizabeth Throssel, a spokeswoman for the UN human rights office.

Belarus: Protesters form human chain leading to a detention centre

European Union leaders held an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the crisis in Belarus.

This comes in after country’s exiled opposition leader urged EU leaders to reject the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Germany, France, and EU Council President Charles Michel have urged Lukashenko’s ally Russia to push for dialogue in a bid to end the crisis.

Sanctions incoming

The EU had earlier announced that they’re working on a new round of sanctions against Belarus. This would target those who were involved in allegedly rigging the August 9 votes, as well as in forcibly repressing protests.

The meeting began with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte saying that the EU simply “cannot accept the result of these elections”.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-warns-the-world-not-to-interfere-in-belarus-321570">Russian President Vladimir Putin warns the world not to interfere in Belarus</a>

Rutte also called for “resolute and concerted” action.

"Our message to the regime is clear: violence is unacceptable, political prisoners must be released and human rights must be respected," he tweeted.

"Dialogue must lead to a solution that reflects the vote of the people”, Rutte added.

Svetlana wants rejection of results

Tikhanovskaya, the main challenger in Belarus's disputed presidential election had said on Monday that she was ready to take over the country's leadership after a wave of protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;She had urged EU leaders "not to recognise these fraudulent elections".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="/world/belarusian-opposition-politician-tsikhanouskaya-urges-european-union-to-respect-peoples-choice-321614" hreflang="en">Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya urges European Union to respect people's choice</a>

"I did not want to be a politician. But fate decreed that I'd find myself on the frontline of a confrontation against arbitrary rule and injustice," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said in a new video from exile in Lithuania.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin recently said that he would intervene in the crisis while warning of “unacceptable” foreign meddling in the country.

Putin spoke to French President and German chancellor in separate phone calls and said that any such attempts would lead to an escalation of the political crisis in Belarus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

European Union leaders held an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the crisis in Belarus. This comes in after country’s exiled opposition leader urged EU leaders to reject the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

European Union leaders held an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the crisis in Belarus. This comes in after country’s exiled opposition leader urged EU leaders to reject the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko. Germany, France, and EU Council President Charles Michel have urged Lukashenko’s ally Russia to push for dialogue in a bid to end the crisis. Sanctions incoming The EU had earlier announced that they’re working on a new round of sanctions against Belarus. This would target those who were involved in allegedly rigging the August 9 votes, as well as in forcibly repressing protests. The meeting began with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte saying that the EU simply “cannot accept the result of these elections”. Also read: Russian President Vladimir Putin warns the world not to interfere in Belarus Rutte also called for “resolute and concerted” action. "Our message to the regime is clear: violence is unacceptable, political prisoners must be released and human rights must be respected," he tweeted. "Dialogue must lead to a solution that reflects the vote of the people”, Rutte added. Svetlana wants rejection of results Tikhanovskaya, the main challenger in Belarus's disputed presidential election had said on Monday that she was ready to take over the country's leadership after a wave of protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. She had urged EU leaders "not to recognise these fraudulent elections". Also read: Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya urges European Union to respect people's choice "I did not want to be a politician. But fate decreed that I'd find myself on the frontline of a confrontation against arbitrary rule and injustice," Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said in a new video from exile in Lithuania. Russia’s Vladimir Putin recently said that he would intervene in the crisis while warning of “unacceptable” foreign meddling in the country. Putin spoke to French President and German chancellor in separate phone calls and said that any such attempts would lead to an escalation of the political crisis in Belarus.

European Union calls for 'resolute and concerted' action in Belarus to end crisis

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.

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