A defiant President Lukashenko will address Belarus' parliament on Wednesday as international pressure over the country's diversion of an airliner in order to arrest a dissident grows, with the UN Security Council set to meet behind closed doors later. &nbsp;

The speech to parliament will be the first time the Belarusian leader has spoken in public since Sunday's rerouting of a Ryanair flight to Minsk and the subsequent arrest of opposition journalist Roman Protasevich.&nbsp;

After weathering a wave of protests and Western sanctions last year, Lukashenko is facing renewed pressure over the incident, with Western leaders demanding Protasevich's release, and the European Union cutting air links with the increasingly isolated nation.&nbsp;

But a diplomat said it was unlikely the Security Council would agree on a collective statement at Wednesday's meeting, because Belarus' unwavering supporter Russia was expected to be in opposition.&nbsp;

Moscow has dismissed the outrage over the arrest, saying Belarus was acting reasonably and within the law when the plane was diverted.&nbsp;

The Belarusian transport ministry on Tuesday released a transcript of communications between Minsk air traffic control and the Ryanair flight, in which the crew was told 'you have a bomb on board' and urged it to land in Minsk. &nbsp;

The claim of a genuine bomb scare has been dismissed by Western leaders. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Protasevich's mother said she had not slept since her son and his Russian girlfriend Sofia Sapega were arrested after the Athens-to-Vilnius flight landed in Minsk. &nbsp;

"I'm asking, I'm begging, I'm calling on the whole international community to save him," Natalia Protasevich said, weeping. "They're going to kill him in there!"&nbsp;

Protasevich, 26, was a co-founder of the Nexta Telegram channel, which helped organise the protests last year that were the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's long rule.&nbsp;

He had been living between Poland and Lithuania.&nbsp;

His parents said they think their son might now be in a detention centre run by the secret service, still known as the KGB.&nbsp;

"The lawyer tried to see him today but she was turned down, she could not see him. We still don’t know if he is in there, what his condition is, how he is feeling," said his father Dmitry.&nbsp;

A 30-second video of Protasevich was broadcast by state television late on Monday, in which he confirmed that he was in prison in Minsk and "confessed" to charges of organising mass unrest.&nbsp;

With dark markings visible on his forehead, he said he was being treated "according to the law".&nbsp;

But Dmitry said it appeared that his son had been harmed.&nbsp;

"He would never speak like that. Those were not his words... he was reading something out that he was told to read out," he said.&nbsp;

Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to do more in a call with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.&nbsp;

"This is the time to act," she said. "Suspension of flights over Belarus doesn't solve the real problem. The problem is the terrorist regime that rigged elections last year."&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to meet with Putin in June, said Washington was looking at "appropriate options to hold accountable those responsible". &nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday the EU must "profoundly redefine" its relationship with Russia and Belarus because "we are at the limits of sanctions policy", whilst German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that Lukashenko would pay "a bitter price" for the "heinous" flight diversion.&nbsp;

The UN rights office and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined calls for Protasevich to be released, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would "strongly support action through all available international institutions", including NATO.&nbsp;

The European Union has agreed to ban Belarusian airlines from the bloc and called on EU-based carriers not to fly over its airspace.&nbsp;

Air France, Finnair and Singapore Airlines were the latest carriers to suspend flights over Belarus, following Scandinavian airline SAS, Germany's Lufthansa and Latvia-based regional airline airBaltic.&nbsp;

Lukashenko and his allies are already under a series of Western sanctions over the brutal crackdown on the protests that followed his disputed re-election to a sixth term last August.&nbsp;

EU leaders on Monday warned they would adopt further "targeted economic sanctions" against the Belarusian authorities to add to the 88 regime figures and seven companies on a blacklist.&nbsp;

The protests lasted for months with tens of thousands taking to the streets to denounce Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for over two decades.&nbsp;

The demonstrations were brutally quashed and thousands were detained -- many of whom reported torture and abuse in custody.&nbsp;

Many protest leaders, including Tikhanovskaya who claimed victory in the August vote, fled the country, and the demonstrations have dwindled.&nbsp;

In Minsk, many welcomed the European flight bans, saying Belarusians were largely unable to travel anyway and more pressure was needed for change.&nbsp;

"An ordinary Belarusian will not suffer from this. Ordinary Belarusians cannot afford flights," said Valentina, a retired teacher who like others was afraid to give her last name.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

A defiant President Lukashenko will address Belarus' parliament on Wednesday as international pressure over the country's diversion of an airliner in order to arrest a dissident grows, with the UN Security Council set to meet behind closed doors later.

A defiant President Lukashenko will address Belarus' parliament on Wednesday as international pressure over the country's diversion of an airliner in order to arrest a dissident grows, with the UN Security Council set to meet behind closed doors later. The speech to parliament will be the first time the Belarusian leader has spoken in public since Sunday's rerouting of a Ryanair flight to Minsk and the subsequent arrest of opposition journalist Roman Protasevich. After weathering a wave of protests and Western sanctions last year, Lukashenko is facing renewed pressure over the incident, with Western leaders demanding Protasevich's release, and the European Union cutting air links with the increasingly isolated nation. But a diplomat said it was unlikely the Security Council would agree on a collective statement at Wednesday's meeting, because Belarus' unwavering supporter Russia was expected to be in opposition. Moscow has dismissed the outrage over the arrest, saying Belarus was acting reasonably and within the law when the plane was diverted. The Belarusian transport ministry on Tuesday released a transcript of communications between Minsk air traffic control and the Ryanair flight, in which the crew was told 'you have a bomb on board' and urged it to land in Minsk. The claim of a genuine bomb scare has been dismissed by Western leaders. On Tuesday, Protasevich's mother said she had not slept since her son and his Russian girlfriend Sofia Sapega were arrested after the Athens-to-Vilnius flight landed in Minsk. "I'm asking, I'm begging, I'm calling on the whole international community to save him," Natalia Protasevich said, weeping. "They're going to kill him in there!" Protasevich, 26, was a co-founder of the Nexta Telegram channel, which helped organise the protests last year that were the biggest challenge to Lukashenko's long rule. He had been living between Poland and Lithuania. His parents said they think their son might now be in a detention centre run by the secret service, still known as the KGB. "The lawyer tried to see him today but she was turned down, she could not see him. We still don’t know if he is in there, what his condition is, how he is feeling," said his father Dmitry. A 30-second video of Protasevich was broadcast by state television late on Monday, in which he confirmed that he was in prison in Minsk and "confessed" to charges of organising mass unrest. With dark markings visible on his forehead, he said he was being treated "according to the law". But Dmitry said it appeared that his son had been harmed. "He would never speak like that. Those were not his words... he was reading something out that he was told to read out," he said. Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to do more in a call with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. "This is the time to act," she said. "Suspension of flights over Belarus doesn't solve the real problem. The problem is the terrorist regime that rigged elections last year." US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to meet with Putin in June, said Washington was looking at "appropriate options to hold accountable those responsible". French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday the EU must "profoundly redefine" its relationship with Russia and Belarus because "we are at the limits of sanctions policy", whilst German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that Lukashenko would pay "a bitter price" for the "heinous" flight diversion. The UN rights office and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined calls for Protasevich to be released, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would "strongly support action through all available international institutions", including NATO. The European Union has agreed to ban Belarusian airlines from the bloc and called on EU-based carriers not to fly over its airspace. Air France, Finnair and Singapore Airlines were the latest carriers to suspend flights over Belarus, following Scandinavian airline SAS, Germany's Lufthansa and Latvia-based regional airline airBaltic. Lukashenko and his allies are already under a series of Western sanctions over the brutal crackdown on the protests that followed his disputed re-election to a sixth term last August. EU leaders on Monday warned they would adopt further "targeted economic sanctions" against the Belarusian authorities to add to the 88 regime figures and seven companies on a blacklist. The protests lasted for months with tens of thousands taking to the streets to denounce Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for over two decades. The demonstrations were brutally quashed and thousands were detained -- many of whom reported torture and abuse in custody. Many protest leaders, including Tikhanovskaya who claimed victory in the August vote, fled the country, and the demonstrations have dwindled. In Minsk, many welcomed the European flight bans, saying Belarusians were largely unable to travel anyway and more pressure was needed for change. "An ordinary Belarusian will not suffer from this. Ordinary Belarusians cannot afford flights," said Valentina, a retired teacher who like others was afraid to give her last name. (With inputs from agencies)

Lukashenko defiant as UN Security Council to meet over Belarus 

Belarus on Sunday sent a fighter jet to escort a passenger plane to land flagging bomb alert that turned out to be false. The plane headed from Athens to Lithuania was diverted to Belarus capital Minsk and an opposition-minded journalist was detained.&nbsp;

The dramatic incident saw a Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet escort a Ryanair-operated passenger plane flying from Athens to Lithuania. The plane was instead suddenly diverted to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where authorities detained journalist Roman Protasevich who had been on board.

Roman Protasevich (26), the detained journalist worked for an online opposition news service NEXTA, a Telegram channel that broadcast footage of mass protests against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko last year at a time when it was hard for foreign media to do so.

Data from the&nbsp;flightradar24.com website showed the plane was diverted just two minutes before it was due to cross into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus.

Protasevich's detention has evoked strong reactions across the world.

Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, said Belarus's action was "utterly unacceptable", while British foreign minister Dominic Raab said there would be serious implications for what he called "outlandish action."

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who like Protasevich operates from Lithuania, called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to kick Belarus out of the organisation.

EU member state Lithuania, where Protasevich is based, urged the European Union and NATO to respond.

(With inputs from agencies)

Belarus on Sunday sent a fighter jet to escort a passenger plane to land flagging bomb alert that turned out to be false. The plane headed from Athens to Lithuania was diverted to Belarus capital Minsk and an opposition-minded journalist was detained.

Belarus on Sunday sent a fighter jet to escort a passenger plane to land flagging bomb alert that turned out to be false. The plane headed from Athens to Lithuania was diverted to Belarus capital Minsk and an opposition-minded journalist was detained. The dramatic incident saw a Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jet escort a Ryanair-operated passenger plane flying from Athens to Lithuania. The plane was instead suddenly diverted to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where authorities detained journalist Roman Protasevich who had been on board. Roman Protasevich (26), the detained journalist worked for an online opposition news service NEXTA, a Telegram channel that broadcast footage of mass protests against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko last year at a time when it was hard for foreign media to do so. Data from the flightradar24.com website showed the plane was diverted just two minutes before it was due to cross into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus. Protasevich's detention has evoked strong reactions across the world. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, said Belarus's action was "utterly unacceptable", while British foreign minister Dominic Raab said there would be serious implications for what he called "outlandish action." Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who like Protasevich operates from Lithuania, called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to kick Belarus out of the organisation. EU member state Lithuania, where Protasevich is based, urged the European Union and NATO to respond. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent

Belarus has shut country's largest independent news outlet after raid on its offices. This is being seen as a widening crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year.

Journalists in the ex-Soviet nation are facing mounting pressure after the protests contested a presidential election win claimed by strongman President Alexander Lukashenko.

The long-serving authoritarian leader has drawn scorn from the West, and the United States and EU have slapped sanctions on him and his allies.

The news portal by the name of Tut.by was the latest media house targetted by the authorities. Security agents searched offices and homes of the journalists working for the website, as per the editor-in-chief. The outlet was then taken offline entirely.

"TUT.by co-founder Kirill Voloshin reports that the website's domain has been blocked," the news organisation reported on its Telegram channel.&nbsp;

AFP journalists said the site was unavailable in Belarus, Russia and France.

Ministry of information later confirmed that it had blocked Tut.by at the request of the general prosecutor's office. The ministry said that the outlet regularly published 'prohibited information'

Editor-in-chief Marina Zolotova earlier told AFP that members of a state financial investigations department had searched her home and the homes of several of her employees.

"Representatives of security agencies also came to the newsroom," she said, adding that she was unable to get in touch with several Tut.by employees.

The state control committee's financial investigations department, which confirmed the searches, is a powerful enforcement body that has previously targeted the opposition.

It said Tuesday that it was investigating Tut.by for tax evasion. The group later announced a separate criminal probe into the portal's director Lyudmila Chekina.&nbsp;

The committee's financial investigative body also notably probed Lukashenko's opponent Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested two months before last August's presidential election.

(With inputs from agencies)

Belarus has shut country's largest independent news outlet after raid on its offices. This is being seen as a widening crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year.

Belarus has shut country's largest independent news outlet after raid on its offices. This is being seen as a widening crackdown in the wake of historic opposition protests last year. Journalists in the ex-Soviet nation are facing mounting pressure after the protests contested a presidential election win claimed by strongman President Alexander Lukashenko. The long-serving authoritarian leader has drawn scorn from the West, and the United States and EU have slapped sanctions on him and his allies. The news portal by the name of Tut.by was the latest media house targetted by the authorities. Security agents searched offices and homes of the journalists working for the website, as per the editor-in-chief. The outlet was then taken offline entirely. "TUT.by co-founder Kirill Voloshin reports that the website's domain has been blocked," the news organisation reported on its Telegram channel. AFP journalists said the site was unavailable in Belarus, Russia and France. Ministry of information later confirmed that it had blocked Tut.by at the request of the general prosecutor's office. The ministry said that the outlet regularly published 'prohibited information' Editor-in-chief Marina Zolotova earlier told AFP that members of a state financial investigations department had searched her home and the homes of several of her employees. "Representatives of security agencies also came to the newsroom," she said, adding that she was unable to get in touch with several Tut.by employees. The state control committee's financial investigations department, which confirmed the searches, is a powerful enforcement body that has previously targeted the opposition. It said Tuesday that it was investigating Tut.by for tax evasion. The group later announced a separate criminal probe into the portal's director Lyudmila Chekina. The committee's financial investigative body also notably probed Lukashenko's opponent Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested two months before last August's presidential election. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus shuts independent news site after raids on offices

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he will sign a decree allowing the transfer of presidential power to the security council if he were to become unable to perform his duties, the state Belta news agency reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Tell me, if there is no president tomorrow, would you guarantee everything is going to be fine? No," he told reporters during a visit to areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986, according to Belta.&nbsp;

"I will sign a decree about how the power in Belarus will be set up. If the president is shot, the next day the security council will get the power," Lukashenko said.&nbsp;

According to the current procedure, if the president's position becomes vacant, or he is unable to fulfill his duties, his power is transferred to the prime minister until a new president takes oath.&nbsp;

The prime minister would head the security council if the president is absent, Lukashenko added.&nbsp;

Lukashenko, 66, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has faced street protests following a presidential election in August 2020. He said he would only step down if there was no protests or revolutionary activities in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he will sign a decree allowing the transfer of presidential power to the security council if he were to become unable to perform his duties, the state Belta news agency reported on Saturday.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he will sign a decree allowing the transfer of presidential power to the security council if he were to become unable to perform his duties, the state Belta news agency reported on Saturday. "Tell me, if there is no president tomorrow, would you guarantee everything is going to be fine? No," he told reporters during a visit to areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986, according to Belta. "I will sign a decree about how the power in Belarus will be set up. If the president is shot, the next day the security council will get the power," Lukashenko said. According to the current procedure, if the president's position becomes vacant, or he is unable to fulfill his duties, his power is transferred to the prime minister until a new president takes oath. The prime minister would head the security council if the president is absent, Lukashenko added. Lukashenko, 66, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has faced street protests following a presidential election in August 2020. He said he would only step down if there was no protests or revolutionary activities in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Lukashenko to amend emergency transfer of presidential power: Report 

Skii-lful evening: Putin and Lukashenko go skiing to discuss important matters

A court in Belarus has sentenced a pair of young television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year.

Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, however, stood defiant and flashed V for victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict.&nbsp;

The two women were detained in November while filming one of the anti-government rallies that swept Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election that the opposition and many Western countries said was fraudulent.

The women were accused of "attracting people to participate in a mass event" via their broadcast and convicted of leading "group actions that grossly violate public order". They had denied their guilt on the first day of their trial earlier this month.

Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya praised the two journalists for their defiance following the verdict.&nbsp;

The case also sparked widespread condemnation from press advocacy groups and&nbsp;diplomats in Western countries, with the US embassy in Belarus calling the charges "absurd".

After the protests broke out in August, Belarusian authorities unleashed a crackdown that left at least four protesters dead, thousands in jail and hundreds claiming torture in custody. Bakhvalova and Chultsova, who work for the Poland-based television channel Belsat, were then detained filming a rally on November 15 in support of a protester the opposition believes died at the hands of Lukashenko's security services.

The demonstrator, 31-year-old former soldier Roman Bondarenko, died from brain damage in Minsk after police arrested him following a dispute in a city square that was a meeting place for the opposition.

At the time, investigators said a 31-year-old Minsk resident had shown signs of intoxication, but a doctor speaking on condition of anonymity to independent Belarusian news site Tut.by said medical staff had found no alcohol in Bondarenko's system.&nbsp;

The journalist who published the story, Katerina Borisevich, and the doctor, Artyom Sorokin, were detained on November 19 on charges of "divulging medical secrets, which entailed grave consequences". They are set to go on trial Friday.

The prosecutor general's office said in a statement Thursday it had opened a criminal case into Bondarenko's death.

Eleven journalists are currently detained in connection with the protests, according to the independent Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ).

On Wednesday a trial also began in the case of leading opposition member Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested in June ahead of the presidential election after he announced he would run against Lukashenko.

The former banker was one of several opposition figures who were arrested or fled ahead of the election.

Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the election results, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies. Lukashenko, however, continues to receive the backing of Moscow.

(with inputs from AFP)

A court in Belarus has sentenced a pair of young television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year. Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, however, stood defiant and flashed V for victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict.

A court in Belarus has sentenced a pair of young television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year. Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, however, stood defiant and flashed V for victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict. The two women were detained in November while filming one of the anti-government rallies that swept Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election that the opposition and many Western countries said was fraudulent. The women were accused of "attracting people to participate in a mass event" via their broadcast and convicted of leading "group actions that grossly violate public order". They had denied their guilt on the first day of their trial earlier this month. Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya praised the two journalists for their defiance following the verdict. The case also sparked widespread condemnation from press advocacy groups and diplomats in Western countries, with the US embassy in Belarus calling the charges "absurd". After the protests broke out in August, Belarusian authorities unleashed a crackdown that left at least four protesters dead, thousands in jail and hundreds claiming torture in custody. Bakhvalova and Chultsova, who work for the Poland-based television channel Belsat, were then detained filming a rally on November 15 in support of a protester the opposition believes died at the hands of Lukashenko's security services. The demonstrator, 31-year-old former soldier Roman Bondarenko, died from brain damage in Minsk after police arrested him following a dispute in a city square that was a meeting place for the opposition. At the time, investigators said a 31-year-old Minsk resident had shown signs of intoxication, but a doctor speaking on condition of anonymity to independent Belarusian news site Tut.by said medical staff had found no alcohol in Bondarenko's system. The journalist who published the story, Katerina Borisevich, and the doctor, Artyom Sorokin, were detained on November 19 on charges of "divulging medical secrets, which entailed grave consequences". They are set to go on trial Friday. The prosecutor general's office said in a statement Thursday it had opened a criminal case into Bondarenko's death. Eleven journalists are currently detained in connection with the protests, according to the independent Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ). On Wednesday a trial also began in the case of leading opposition member Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested in June ahead of the presidential election after he announced he would run against Lukashenko. The former banker was one of several opposition figures who were arrested or fled ahead of the election. Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the election results, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies. Lukashenko, however, continues to receive the backing of Moscow. (with inputs from AFP)

Belarus jails journalists for two years for covering protests

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors.

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The Archbishops are supposed to tender their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75 years old, which Kondrusiewicz did on Sunday. However, the Pope decides whether the Archbishop continues or not.&nbsp;

In a statement announcing the Archbishop's resignation, the Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Wielikosielec of the Diocese of Pinsk in western Belarus would take his place.

Kondrusiewicz, who currently lives in Poland and is a citizen of Belarus, gave an interview to a radio station calling for an end to police violence against protesters and demanding the resignation of strongman Lukashenko, who in August won re-election in a vote the opposition said was rigged.

However, Lukashenko hit back at the Archbishop and accused him of plotting to "destroy the country".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Belarusians overwhelmingly observe Orthodox Christianity, but the country has small Catholic minorities, observing the Roman rite common in Poland or the Eastern rite found in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors.

Pope Francis on Sunday accepted the resignation of the Catholic Archbishop of Minsk Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, who angered the Lukashenko regime and was banned from Belarus by speaking against the country's government and violence against the protestors. ALSO READ: Jeremy Corbyn's brother arrested again in London's anti-lockdown protests The Archbishops are supposed to tender their resignation to the Pope when they turn 75 years old, which Kondrusiewicz did on Sunday. However, the Pope decides whether the Archbishop continues or not. In a statement announcing the Archbishop's resignation, the Vatican said Bishop Kazimierz Wielikosielec of the Diocese of Pinsk in western Belarus would take his place. Kondrusiewicz, who currently lives in Poland and is a citizen of Belarus, gave an interview to a radio station calling for an end to police violence against protesters and demanding the resignation of strongman Lukashenko, who in August won re-election in a vote the opposition said was rigged. However, Lukashenko hit back at the Archbishop and accused him of plotting to "destroy the country". Belarusians overwhelmingly observe Orthodox Christianity, but the country has small Catholic minorities, observing the Roman rite common in Poland or the Eastern rite found in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pope accepts resignation of Minsk archbishop who angered Lukashenko

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belarus on Sunday as they sought to keep the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko over his contested re-election.

In the capital Minsk, Lukashenko's critics staged a number of scattered protests across the city, with some groups numbering a few dozen participants and others a few hundred.

The Viasna rights group said more than 30 people were detained in Minsk and other cities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-thousands-of-protesters-march-demand-lukashenkos-resignation-347989">Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation</a>

Police with dogs patrolled the streets as authorities deployed troops and water cannon.

Since Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August, Belarus has been caught in its most serious political crisis in modern history, with protesters taking to the streets and authorities cracking down on the opposition.

For months tens of thousands of people staged a massive march through Minsk but protesters have over the past few weeks changed their tactics to avoid large-scale detentions by instead turning up for numerous smaller protests across town.

Lukashenko's opponents claim the polls were rigged and that political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, was the true winner.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ioc-bans-belarus-president-lukashenko-from-olympic-games-348351">WATCH|</a>

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Tikhanovskaya, who is in exile in neighbouring Lithuania, praised all those who kept taking to the streets.

"The whole world sees the protest movement in Belarus," the 38-year-old said ahead of Sunday's rallies.&nbsp;

"Every new march does not allow the regime to lie that the protests are over."

From Sunday Belarus temporarily closed its land borders in a move authorities said was aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus but the opposition views as a further clampdown on dissent.

Belarus nationals and foreigners who hold temporary or permanent residency will not be able to leave the country via land border checkpoints starting Sunday.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belarus on Sunday as they sought to keep the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko over his contested re-election.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belarus on Sunday as they sought to keep the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko over his contested re-election. In the capital Minsk, Lukashenko's critics staged a number of scattered protests across the city, with some groups numbering a few dozen participants and others a few hundred. The Viasna rights group said more than 30 people were detained in Minsk and other cities. Also read| Belarus: Thousands of protesters march, demand Lukashenko's resignation Police with dogs patrolled the streets as authorities deployed troops and water cannon. Since Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August, Belarus has been caught in its most serious political crisis in modern history, with protesters taking to the streets and authorities cracking down on the opposition. For months tens of thousands of people staged a massive march through Minsk but protesters have over the past few weeks changed their tactics to avoid large-scale detentions by instead turning up for numerous smaller protests across town. Lukashenko's opponents claim the polls were rigged and that political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who ran in place of her jailed husband, was the true winner. WATCH| × Tikhanovskaya, who is in exile in neighbouring Lithuania, praised all those who kept taking to the streets. "The whole world sees the protest movement in Belarus," the 38-year-old said ahead of Sunday's rallies. "Every new march does not allow the regime to lie that the protests are over." From Sunday Belarus temporarily closed its land borders in a move authorities said was aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus but the opposition views as a further clampdown on dissent. Belarus nationals and foreigners who hold temporary or permanent residency will not be able to leave the country via land border checkpoints starting Sunday.

Thousands in Belarus protest Lukashenko's rule

The IOC banned two other officials from the NOC, including Lukashenko’s son, Viktor, who is the first vice president of the national Olympic body.

IOC bans Belarus president Lukashenko from Olympic Games

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks.

"I regret to report that since the (UN human rights) council's urgent debate on Belarus in September, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the country. On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council.

Continuous protests have rocked Belarus ever since country's strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won sixth presidential term in elections held in August. The opposition alleges that the elections were rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls. The country has seen widespread protests ever since.

In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk.

Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the August 9 vote, with around 1,000 reportedly arrested on November 8 and 700 on November 15.

Senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decried "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture.

She also voiced particular alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October.&nbsp;

Among those rounded up since August were 373 journalists, including six who remain in detention, Bachelet said, stressing that lawyers associated with the opposition were also under pressure, with some facing criminal charges and others disbarred.

Most of the diplomats who participated in the hybrid session echoed Bachelet's concerns, denouncing police violence and the crackdown on protesters.

Some, including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, came to Belarus's defence&nbsp;

Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov reminded the council of police violence in a range of other countries, including in France and the United States.

"The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks.

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks. "I regret to report that since the (UN human rights) council's urgent debate on Belarus in September, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the country. On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council. Continuous protests have rocked Belarus ever since country's strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won sixth presidential term in elections held in August. The opposition alleges that the elections were rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls. The country has seen widespread protests ever since. In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk. Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the August 9 vote, with around 1,000 reportedly arrested on November 8 and 700 on November 15. Senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decried "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture. She also voiced particular alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October. Among those rounded up since August were 373 journalists, including six who remain in detention, Bachelet said, stressing that lawyers associated with the opposition were also under pressure, with some facing criminal charges and others disbarred. Most of the diplomats who participated in the hybrid session echoed Bachelet's concerns, denouncing police violence and the crackdown on protesters. Some, including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, came to Belarus's defence Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov reminded the council of police violence in a range of other countries, including in France and the United States. "The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said. (With AFP inputs)

Belarus: UN worried about 'continued deterioration' of human rights conditions

Belarus has been marred by anti-government protests for months. Now, protesters have found a new way to outsmart the administration to continue protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Instead of convening a full scale single protest, opponents are now convening in smaller gatherings across districts, which has proven to be a challenge for law enforcement authorities.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-to-resign-if-new-constitution-is-adopted-346115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday alone, thousands took to the streets in Minsk. Since August, the country has been witnessing protests after Lukashenko secured his sixth term as president of the country. Opposition leaders and analysts have called his reelection staged.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-to-resign-if-new-constitution-is-adopted-346029" hreflang="en">Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to resign if new constitution is adopted</a>

They also claim that his opponent Svetlana&nbsp;Tikhanovskaya is the true winner of the elections, who ran in the place of her husband, who was jailed by authorities.

Recently, authorities have become fiercer in terms of their crackdown on protesters, where by hundreds have been detained, and many have been prevented from convening in the capital. As part of the new tactic, twenty new rallies were recorded across the city on Sunday.

"Large columns of people have assembled in all districts of Minsk, without exception. The Lukashenko police are desperately rushing from district to district," said opposition Telegram channel Nexta Live.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-police-uses-tear-gas-stun-grenades-to-disperse-protesters-343492" hreflang="en">Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters</a>

Due to the protests, metro stations in the city have remained shut, with limited access to mobile connections.

Riot police has also been deployed across the city in huge numbers. According to the news website Tut.by, stun grenades and tear gas are being used against protesters. According to the human rights group Viasna, at least 20 people have been taken into police custody.

"Everyone takes to the streets in their district and sees dozens, hundreds and thousands of supporters," Tikhanovskaya, 38, said in a video address.

Belarus has been marred by anti-government protests for months. Now, protesters have found a new way to outsmart the administration to continue protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus has been marred by anti-government protests for months. Now, protesters have found a new way to outsmart the administration to continue protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. Instead of convening a full scale single protest, opponents are now convening in smaller gatherings across districts, which has proven to be a challenge for law enforcement authorities. On Sunday alone, thousands took to the streets in Minsk. Since August, the country has been witnessing protests after Lukashenko secured his sixth term as president of the country. Opposition leaders and analysts have called his reelection staged. Also read: Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to resign if new constitution is adopted They also claim that his opponent Svetlana Tikhanovskaya is the true winner of the elections, who ran in the place of her husband, who was jailed by authorities. Recently, authorities have become fiercer in terms of their crackdown on protesters, where by hundreds have been detained, and many have been prevented from convening in the capital. As part of the new tactic, twenty new rallies were recorded across the city on Sunday. "Large columns of people have assembled in all districts of Minsk, without exception. The Lukashenko police are desperately rushing from district to district," said opposition Telegram channel Nexta Live. Also read: Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters Due to the protests, metro stations in the city have remained shut, with limited access to mobile connections. Riot police has also been deployed across the city in huge numbers. According to the news website Tut.by, stun grenades and tear gas are being used against protesters. According to the human rights group Viasna, at least 20 people have been taken into police custody. "Everyone takes to the streets in their district and sees dozens, hundreds and thousands of supporters," Tikhanovskaya, 38, said in a video address.

Anti-Lukashenko protesters in Belarus try out new strategy to outsmart authorities

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday that he would be willing to step down from his position of power if a new constitution is adopted.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to resign if new constitution is adopted

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he would step down after a new constitution is adopted.

Belarus Unrest: Lukashenko to quit post under new constitution

The&nbsp;Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday that he would be willing to step down from his position of power if a new constitution is adopted.&nbsp;

"I am not making a new constitution for myself. With a new constitution, I will no longer work with you as president. So calm down," he was quoted saying by local media.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-police-uses-tear-gas-stun-grenades-to-disperse-protesters-343492">Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters</a>

The statement has come months after Belarus locals took to streets against what&nbsp;Lukashenko's rigged election win, and challenging his&nbsp;26-year long rule over the country.

In return, the President has brought down a strict crackdown on the protestors, resulting in several hundreds of protestors in jails and being treated in inhumane conditions — with the majority of his opponents behind bars.

"What worries me in this situation is that you cannot hand over such a constitution [as Belarus has now, with most power in the hands of the president] to an unknown president. There will be trouble," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-cannot-say-no-the-reign-of-terror-that-sustains-belarus-leader-343358" hreflang="en">'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader</a>

While many want to rejoice over this statement, experts believe this is simply one of the many comments that&nbsp;Lukashenko has made in the past, as this is not the first time he has hinted towards conceding. However, he has always failed to live by his words — in this area — the last one being in August when the demand for re-elections was at their peak from the locals and opposition leaders.

However, unlike other times, this time he has also added the disclaimer that he while he would be willing to give up his position, he would not be taking any decision under pressure or in a moment of heat. He added that he is ready to make&nbsp;genuine concessions.

Belarus police, however, has been using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters who are demonstrating against&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko&nbsp;the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester.

The Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced on Friday that he would be willing to step down from his position of power if a new constitution is adopted. "I am not making a new constitution for myself. With a new constitution, I will no longer work with you as president. So calm down," he was quoted saying by local media. Also read| Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters The statement has come months after Belarus locals took to streets against what Lukashenko's rigged election win, and challenging his 26-year long rule over the country. In return, the President has brought down a strict crackdown on the protestors, resulting in several hundreds of protestors in jails and being treated in inhumane conditions — with the majority of his opponents behind bars. "What worries me in this situation is that you cannot hand over such a constitution [as Belarus has now, with most power in the hands of the president] to an unknown president. There will be trouble," he said. Also read| 'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader While many want to rejoice over this statement, experts believe this is simply one of the many comments that Lukashenko has made in the past, as this is not the first time he has hinted towards conceding. However, he has always failed to live by his words — in this area — the last one being in August when the demand for re-elections was at their peak from the locals and opposition leaders. However, unlike other times, this time he has also added the disclaimer that he while he would be willing to give up his position, he would not be taking any decision under pressure or in a moment of heat. He added that he is ready to make genuine concessions. Belarus police, however, has been using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters who are demonstrating against Alexander Lukashenko the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester.

Belarusian police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse the crowds demonstrating against President Alexander Lukashenko.

The street rallies were re-ignited following the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester. He died in hospital in Minsk on Thursday following what demonstrators said was a severe beating by security forces.

Hundreds of people have been detained after they took to the streets in mass demonstrations chanting "I'm going out", the last known written words of an anti-government protester who died last week.

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Belarusian rights group Viasna said at least 328 people were detained, including journalists.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of cities throughout&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;every weekend since August 9 when Lukashenko claimed a sixth presidential term in elections that his critics and Western countries said were rigged.

The EU has slapped sanctions on officials in the authoritarian country for rigging the vote and waging a brutal crackdown on post-vote demonstrations that led to mass arrests and allegations of torture and abuse at the hands of the security services.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-cannot-say-no-the-reign-of-terror-that-sustains-belarus-leader-343358" hreflang="en">'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader</a>

Sunday's rally comes after thousands of demonstrators turned out in Minsk Friday to mourn the death of a protester who was pronounced dead one day after police arrested him.

Roman Bondarenko, 31, died in Minsk after police arrested him following a dispute in a city square that has become a regular meeting place for the opposition.

He was arrested by police on Wednesday after an altercation between residents and masked men who removed red and white ribbons, the colours of the opposition, hung in a building courtyard in Minsk.&nbsp;

Bondarenko was pronounced dead on Thursday after suffering brain damage, triggering a wave of outrage&nbsp;among the Belarusian opposition, who believe Lukashenko's security forces are ultimately responsible.

The interior ministry has denied responsibility for Bondarenko's death, saying he was killed in a scuffle with civilians.

'Devastating'&nbsp;

Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya described the former soldier Bondarenko as a "man who was killed because he wanted to live in a free country".&nbsp;

On Sunday she described the crackdown on protesters with "gas, grenades and firearms" as "devastating" and called for international support for the demonstrators.

"We ask our allies to stand up for the Belarusian people and human rights. We need a humanitarian corridor for the injured, support for the media, international investigation of crimes," she wrote on Twitter.

Lukashenko said Friday he had asked investigators to probe the incident "honestly and objectively".&nbsp;

Political crisis

Belarus&nbsp;has been mired in a political crisis for months. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets every week since an election in August that they say was rigged, something Lukasheko denies. They want the veteran leader, in power for 26 years, to resign.

Lukashenko, who has the firm backing of longstanding ally Russian President Vladimir Putin, has refused to stand down and instead suggests reforms to the constitution to placate the opposition.

Belarusian police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse the crowds demonstrating against President Alexander Lukashenko. The street rallies were re-ignited following the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester.

Belarusian police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse the crowds demonstrating against President Alexander Lukashenko. The street rallies were re-ignited following the death of Roman Bondarenko, a 31-year old anti-government protester. He died in hospital in Minsk on Thursday following what demonstrators said was a severe beating by security forces. Hundreds of people have been detained after they took to the streets in mass demonstrations chanting "I'm going out", the last known written words of an anti-government protester who died last week. Belarusian rights group Viasna said at least 328 people were detained, including journalists. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of cities throughout Belarus every weekend since August 9 when Lukashenko claimed a sixth presidential term in elections that his critics and Western countries said were rigged. The EU has slapped sanctions on officials in the authoritarian country for rigging the vote and waging a brutal crackdown on post-vote demonstrations that led to mass arrests and allegations of torture and abuse at the hands of the security services. Also read| 'You cannot say no': The reign of terror that sustains Belarus' leader Sunday's rally comes after thousands of demonstrators turned out in Minsk Friday to mourn the death of a protester who was pronounced dead one day after police arrested him. Roman Bondarenko, 31, died in Minsk after police arrested him following a dispute in a city square that has become a regular meeting place for the opposition. He was arrested by police on Wednesday after an altercation between residents and masked men who removed red and white ribbons, the colours of the opposition, hung in a building courtyard in Minsk. Bondarenko was pronounced dead on Thursday after suffering brain damage, triggering a wave of outrage among the Belarusian opposition, who believe Lukashenko's security forces are ultimately responsible. The interior ministry has denied responsibility for Bondarenko's death, saying he was killed in a scuffle with civilians. 'Devastating' Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya described the former soldier Bondarenko as a "man who was killed because he wanted to live in a free country". On Sunday she described the crackdown on protesters with "gas, grenades and firearms" as "devastating" and called for international support for the demonstrators. "We ask our allies to stand up for the Belarusian people and human rights. We need a humanitarian corridor for the injured, support for the media, international investigation of crimes," she wrote on Twitter. Lukashenko said Friday he had asked investigators to probe the incident "honestly and objectively". Political crisis Belarus has been mired in a political crisis for months. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets every week since an election in August that they say was rigged, something Lukasheko denies. They want the veteran leader, in power for 26 years, to resign. Lukashenko, who has the firm backing of longstanding ally Russian President Vladimir Putin, has refused to stand down and instead suggests reforms to the constitution to placate the opposition.

Belarus police uses tear gas, stun grenades to disperse protesters

More than 500 people were detained by the police in Belarus as protests against country's president Alexander Lukashenko continued. The opposition reached out to US President-Elect Joe Biden. The protests in Belarus have been going on for more than three months. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Belarus in this period. The people are protesting result of August 9 election in which Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory.

His opponents are demanding he hand power to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a political novice who ran for president against Lukashenko 
Several thousand protesters, many carrying the red-and-white opposition flag, joined a march in central Minsk on Sunday.

On&nbsp;Saturday, Tikhanovskaya congratulated Joe Biden and said she hoped to meet the newly elected US president.

"This was a real race of ideas, programmes and teams, unlike Belarus, where votes at elections were simply stolen, in the United States the vote of every voter was taken into account," she said.

She said she believed Biden will "soon meet with the fairly elected president of the new, free Belarus".

Democrat Biden has previously voiced support for the Belarusian opposition and promised he would expand sanctions against the regime.&nbsp; 
Lukashenko on Saturday called the US vote a "mockery of democracy" and said he doesn't expect relations with Washington to change no matter the election outcome.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belaruss-lukashenko-and-son-put-on-sanctions-list-of-european-union-341210">Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union</a> 
 
On Sunday, police vans and water cannons had been deployed to the centre of the city with police sporadically detaining protesters in various locations.

Local media reported a heavy police presence, with human rights group Viasna saying that at least 395 people had been detained in the capital Minsk and other cities.

Olympic decathlete Andrei Kravchenko and the 2008 Miss Belarus pageant winner Olga Khizhinkova were among those detained, according to the Tut.by news website.

Pensioner Yelena Vasilyevich told AFP that she was taking part in the Sunday protest with her family and friends.

"I want to finally live in a free and democratic country," said Vasilyevich, 65.

From exile in Lithuania, Tikhanovskaya said protests would continue "until victory" and that the past 90 days had shown authorities they had "lost legitimacy and power".

"The regime doesn't want to give us the right to decide what will happen next to our country," she wrote on her Telegram channel on Sunday.

In October, several state universities expelled students who organised sit-in protests on campus.

"We are citizens who have a conscience and who cannot be silent if lawlessness is happening in the country," law student Tamara Babina, 20, told AFP at Sunday's protest.

EU sanctions

The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko, 66, and several of his allies, imposing a travel ban and asset freezes, for vote-rigging and police violence.

Earlier protests in Minsk were met with a brutal crackdown with police using stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the gatherings.&nbsp; 
Many of those detained reported brutal treatment including beatings and torture at the hands of security forces.

Authorities have also threatened to use live ammunition on protesters.&nbsp;

With Moscow-backed Lukashenko refusing to step down and the opposition unable to force his resignation, the political situation appears to have reached an impasse.

Last week, Belarus closed land borders with Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine and Poland, and banned foreigners from entering the country via land border crossings.

Two weeks ago, the opposition announced a nationwide strike but it did not gain momentum and its effects on the country's economy appear to have been limited.

More than 500 people were detained by the police in Belarus as protests against country's president Alexander Lukashenko continued. The opposition reached out to US President-Elect Joe Biden.

More than 500 people were detained by the police in Belarus as protests against country's president Alexander Lukashenko continued. The opposition reached out to US President-Elect Joe Biden. The protests in Belarus have been going on for more than three months. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Belarus in this period. The people are protesting result of August 9 election in which Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory. His opponents are demanding he hand power to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a political novice who ran for president against Lukashenko Several thousand protesters, many carrying the red-and-white opposition flag, joined a march in central Minsk on Sunday. On Saturday, Tikhanovskaya congratulated Joe Biden and said she hoped to meet the newly elected US president. "This was a real race of ideas, programmes and teams, unlike Belarus, where votes at elections were simply stolen, in the United States the vote of every voter was taken into account," she said. She said she believed Biden will "soon meet with the fairly elected president of the new, free Belarus". Democrat Biden has previously voiced support for the Belarusian opposition and promised he would expand sanctions against the regime. Lukashenko on Saturday called the US vote a "mockery of democracy" and said he doesn't expect relations with Washington to change no matter the election outcome. Also Read | Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union On Sunday, police vans and water cannons had been deployed to the centre of the city with police sporadically detaining protesters in various locations. Local media reported a heavy police presence, with human rights group Viasna saying that at least 395 people had been detained in the capital Minsk and other cities. Olympic decathlete Andrei Kravchenko and the 2008 Miss Belarus pageant winner Olga Khizhinkova were among those detained, according to the Tut.by news website. Pensioner Yelena Vasilyevich told AFP that she was taking part in the Sunday protest with her family and friends. "I want to finally live in a free and democratic country," said Vasilyevich, 65. From exile in Lithuania, Tikhanovskaya said protests would continue "until victory" and that the past 90 days had shown authorities they had "lost legitimacy and power". "The regime doesn't want to give us the right to decide what will happen next to our country," she wrote on her Telegram channel on Sunday. In October, several state universities expelled students who organised sit-in protests on campus. "We are citizens who have a conscience and who cannot be silent if lawlessness is happening in the country," law student Tamara Babina, 20, told AFP at Sunday's protest. EU sanctions The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko, 66, and several of his allies, imposing a travel ban and asset freezes, for vote-rigging and police violence. Earlier protests in Minsk were met with a brutal crackdown with police using stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the gatherings. Many of those detained reported brutal treatment including beatings and torture at the hands of security forces. Authorities have also threatened to use live ammunition on protesters. With Moscow-backed Lukashenko refusing to step down and the opposition unable to force his resignation, the political situation appears to have reached an impasse. Last week, Belarus closed land borders with Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine and Poland, and banned foreigners from entering the country via land border crossings. Two weeks ago, the opposition announced a nationwide strike but it did not gain momentum and its effects on the country's economy appear to have been limited.

Belarus: Police detain hundreds as opposition reaches out to Biden

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and his son were officially put on the EU sanctions blacklist Friday along with 13 other officials because of their post-election crackdown.

The formal move came after EU member states gave their assent and the decision was published in the bloc's official journal.

Lukashenko, his son Viktor and the 13 others were added to an EU list drawn up in October that already had 40 names on it, including Belarus's interior minister.

The sanctions ban them from obtaining visas for the European Union and also freeze their assets in the EU.

The decision in principle to add Lukashenko and his son was made October 12 at a meeting of EU foreign ministers because of their responsibility for the "violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections".

The EU also held Lukashenko responsible for the exclusion of major opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists".&nbsp;

Lukashenko's son Viktor is an acting national security advisor in Belarus.&nbsp;

Among the others targeted are Lukashenko's chief of staff, the head of the country's KGB secret service, and the leader's press officer.

The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and has said it does not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and his son were officially put on the EU sanctions blacklist Friday along with 13 other officials because of their post-election crackdown.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and his son were officially put on the EU sanctions blacklist Friday along with 13 other officials because of their post-election crackdown. The formal move came after EU member states gave their assent and the decision was published in the bloc's official journal. Lukashenko, his son Viktor and the 13 others were added to an EU list drawn up in October that already had 40 names on it, including Belarus's interior minister. The sanctions ban them from obtaining visas for the European Union and also freeze their assets in the EU. The decision in principle to add Lukashenko and his son was made October 12 at a meeting of EU foreign ministers because of their responsibility for the "violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections". The EU also held Lukashenko responsible for the exclusion of major opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists". Lukashenko's son Viktor is an acting national security advisor in Belarus. Among the others targeted are Lukashenko's chief of staff, the head of the country's KGB secret service, and the leader's press officer. The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and has said it does not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said.

The green light to ban visas and freeze the assets of Lukashenko and the 14 others was given by envoys from the EU's 27 member states and should be confirmed in the bloc's official journal by Friday, they said.

The EU has already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko allies for rigging an election in August that returned him to power and for orchestrating a crackdown on mass protests that have rocked the country since the vote.

The bloc had held back from penalising Lukashenko, hoping to persuade him to engage in dialogue with opposition forces to resolve the crisis.

However, this hope was not fulfilled and in mid-October, EU foreign ministers gave the go-ahead in principle to take action against the leader.&nbsp;

Lukashenko is "responsible for the violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections", said the sanctions decision seen by AFP.&nbsp;

It also handed him responsibility for the exclusion of important opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists".&nbsp;

The EU is also targeting Lukashenko's son Viktor, who is an acting national security advisor in Belarus.&nbsp;

Among the other persons involved are the Lukashenko's chief of staff, Igor Sergeenko, the head of the KGB secret service, Ivan Tertel, and the leader's press officer.

The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and said it did not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said.

The EU on Wednesday launched a procedure to sanction Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, his son Viktor and 13 others held responsible for a post-election crackdown in the former Soviet state, diplomatic sources in Brussels said. The green light to ban visas and freeze the assets of Lukashenko and the 14 others was given by envoys from the EU's 27 member states and should be confirmed in the bloc's official journal by Friday, they said. The EU has already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on 40 Lukashenko allies for rigging an election in August that returned him to power and for orchestrating a crackdown on mass protests that have rocked the country since the vote. The bloc had held back from penalising Lukashenko, hoping to persuade him to engage in dialogue with opposition forces to resolve the crisis. However, this hope was not fulfilled and in mid-October, EU foreign ministers gave the go-ahead in principle to take action against the leader. Lukashenko is "responsible for the violent repression by the state apparatus before and after the 2020 presidential elections", said the sanctions decision seen by AFP. It also handed him responsibility for the exclusion of important opposition candidates in the election, "arbitrary arrests and the ill-treatment of peaceful demonstrators, as well as intimidation and violence against journalists". The EU is also targeting Lukashenko's son Viktor, who is an acting national security advisor in Belarus. Among the other persons involved are the Lukashenko's chief of staff, Igor Sergeenko, the head of the KGB secret service, Ivan Tertel, and the leader's press officer. The EU rejected the results of the August 9 election and said it did not regard Lukashenko as the legitimate president.

European Union launches sanctions against Belarus leader Lukashenko

Riot police fired warning shots into the air, used stun grenades, and arrested more than 200 people to deter tens of thousands of&nbsp;Belarusians who marched through Minsk on Sunday to demand veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko leave power.

The march aimed to both commemorate victims of Stalin-era repressions and to keep up pressure on Lukashenko who is facing unprecedented protests after claiming victory in an August election.

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The last time a march to the execution site was dispersed was under the Soviets in 1988, when authorities used tear gas against an anti-Communist demonstration.

Mass demonstrations have flooded the capital for 12 straight weeks since a disputed election, ratcheting up pressure on the embattled leader of 26 years who rejects accusations the vote was rigged and says he has no intention of quitting.

This week Lukashenko partially closed the border to the west, replaced his interior minister, and said that any protester who lays a hand on officers policing the protests should "at least leave without hands".

Tens of thousands of people swept through Minsk in at least two columns, the Nasha Niva newspaper reported.

The Vesna-96 rights group published the names of 221 people who had been detained.

Demonstrators carried banners reading, "The people's memory (lasts) longer than a life of a dictatorship" and "Stop torturing your people!"

The crowds directed chants of "Go away!" at Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who won his sixth term in an August 9 election that is widely seen as rigged. Lukashenko's crushing victory over his popular, inexperienced challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has triggered the largest and the most sustained wave of mass protests of his 26 years in power.

The 66-year-old former state farm director, who was once nicknamed "Europe's Latest Dictator", has relentlessly suppressed opposition and independent media in Belarus but struggled to quell the recent unrest. Large protest crowds have assembled in the streets of Minsk and other cities almost daily, despite police countering the demonstrations with water cannons, stun grenades, rubber bullets and mass detentions.

The Belarusian Interior Ministry threatened to use firearms against the rally-goers "if need be". On Sunday, police acknowledged officers fired several warning shots into the air during the demonstration in Minsk "to prevent violations of the law", but maintained that "non-lethal weapons" were used.

Armoured off-road vehicles equipped with machine guns were seen in Minsk for the first time in almost three months of protests, along with water cannon vehicles and other anti-riot equipment. Several metro stations were closed and mobile internet service did not work.

Police detained over 250 people in Minsk and other Belarusian cities where protests were held on Sunday, according to the Viasna centre. Several journalists were among the detainees and many of those detained were beaten up, human rights activists said.

"The authorities are trying to close the lid on the boiling Belarusian pot more tightly, but history knows very well what this leads to," Viasna leader Ales Bialiatski said.

Tsikhanouskaya entered the presidential race instead of her husband, a popular opposition blogger after he was jailed in May. She challenged the results of the election in which she secured 10 per cent of the vote to the incumbent president's 80 per cent, then left Belarus for Lithuania under pressure from the authorities.

She issued a statement on Sunday in support of the ongoing protests. 
"The terror is happening once again in our country right now," Tsikhanouskaya said. "We have not forgotten our past, we will not forget what is happening now."

Over 15,000 people have been detained since the presidential election, and human rights activists have declared more than 100 of them to be political prisoners.

All prominent members at the helm of the opposition's Coordination Council, which was formed to push for a transition of power, have either been jailed or left the country. One more activist on the Council, Denis Gotto, was detained during Sunday's demonstration. 
Lukashenko scoffed at suggestions of dialogue with the opposition and instead intensified the crackdown on protesters, ordering officials to expel students from universities for participating in demonstrations and to take action against plant workers that go on strike.

On Thursday, the government shut Belarus' borders with Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. They said the move was intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus, although officials previously accused neighbouring countries of trying to destabilise Belarus.

Starting Sunday, all foreigners -- with the exception of diplomats, government officials, individuals with permits to work in Belarus and people in some other narrow categories -- were banned from crossing the country's land borders. Foreigners, however, are allowed to travel into Belarus via the Minsk National Airport.&nbsp;

Riot police fired warning shots into the air, used stun grenades, and arrested more than 200 people to deter tens of thousands of Belarusians who marched through Minsk on Sunday to demand veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko leave power.

Riot police fired warning shots into the air, used stun grenades, and arrested more than 200 people to deter tens of thousands of Belarusians who marched through Minsk on Sunday to demand veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko leave power. The march aimed to both commemorate victims of Stalin-era repressions and to keep up pressure on Lukashenko who is facing unprecedented protests after claiming victory in an August election. The last time a march to the execution site was dispersed was under the Soviets in 1988, when authorities used tear gas against an anti-Communist demonstration. Mass demonstrations have flooded the capital for 12 straight weeks since a disputed election, ratcheting up pressure on the embattled leader of 26 years who rejects accusations the vote was rigged and says he has no intention of quitting. This week Lukashenko partially closed the border to the west, replaced his interior minister, and said that any protester who lays a hand on officers policing the protests should "at least leave without hands". Tens of thousands of people swept through Minsk in at least two columns, the Nasha Niva newspaper reported. The Vesna-96 rights group published the names of 221 people who had been detained. Demonstrators carried banners reading, "The people's memory (lasts) longer than a life of a dictatorship" and "Stop torturing your people!" The crowds directed chants of "Go away!" at Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who won his sixth term in an August 9 election that is widely seen as rigged. Lukashenko's crushing victory over his popular, inexperienced challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has triggered the largest and the most sustained wave of mass protests of his 26 years in power. The 66-year-old former state farm director, who was once nicknamed "Europe's Latest Dictator", has relentlessly suppressed opposition and independent media in Belarus but struggled to quell the recent unrest. Large protest crowds have assembled in the streets of Minsk and other cities almost daily, despite police countering the demonstrations with water cannons, stun grenades, rubber bullets and mass detentions. The Belarusian Interior Ministry threatened to use firearms against the rally-goers "if need be". On Sunday, police acknowledged officers fired several warning shots into the air during the demonstration in Minsk "to prevent violations of the law", but maintained that "non-lethal weapons" were used. Armoured off-road vehicles equipped with machine guns were seen in Minsk for the first time in almost three months of protests, along with water cannon vehicles and other anti-riot equipment. Several metro stations were closed and mobile internet service did not work. Police detained over 250 people in Minsk and other Belarusian cities where protests were held on Sunday, according to the Viasna centre. Several journalists were among the detainees and many of those detained were beaten up, human rights activists said. "The authorities are trying to close the lid on the boiling Belarusian pot more tightly, but history knows very well what this leads to," Viasna leader Ales Bialiatski said. Tsikhanouskaya entered the presidential race instead of her husband, a popular opposition blogger after he was jailed in May. She challenged the results of the election in which she secured 10 per cent of the vote to the incumbent president's 80 per cent, then left Belarus for Lithuania under pressure from the authorities. She issued a statement on Sunday in support of the ongoing protests. "The terror is happening once again in our country right now," Tsikhanouskaya said. "We have not forgotten our past, we will not forget what is happening now." Over 15,000 people have been detained since the presidential election, and human rights activists have declared more than 100 of them to be political prisoners. All prominent members at the helm of the opposition's Coordination Council, which was formed to push for a transition of power, have either been jailed or left the country. One more activist on the Council, Denis Gotto, was detained during Sunday's demonstration. Lukashenko scoffed at suggestions of dialogue with the opposition and instead intensified the crackdown on protesters, ordering officials to expel students from universities for participating in demonstrations and to take action against plant workers that go on strike. On Thursday, the government shut Belarus' borders with Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. They said the move was intended to stem the spread of the coronavirus, although officials previously accused neighbouring countries of trying to destabilise Belarus. Starting Sunday, all foreigners -- with the exception of diplomats, government officials, individuals with permits to work in Belarus and people in some other narrow categories -- were banned from crossing the country's land borders. Foreigners, however, are allowed to travel into Belarus via the Minsk National Airport.

Defying warning shots, tens of thousands protest in Belarus

Police detained over 150 people in Minsk and other Belarusian cities where protests were held Sunday, according to the Viasna center.

Police fire warning shots as thousands protest in Belarus

Riot police fired warning shots into the air, used stun grenades and arrested more than 200 people to deter tens of thousands of Belarusians who marched through Minsk on Sunday to demand veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko leave power.

Tens of thousands protest in Belarus, defying warning shots

With Belarus still rocked by protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, the strongman leader promoted the Minsk police chief to new interior minister on Thursday.

Belarus: Lukashenko closes borders amid security shakeup

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko replaced his interior minister and named three security hawks to new roles on Thursday in an attempt to tighten his grip on the country after nearly 12 weeks of mass protests.

Ivan Kubrakov, who as head of police in the capital Minsk has led the crackdown on the biggest demonstrations, was appointed interior minister.

His predecessor, Yuri Karayev, was one of three men named to new roles as presidential aides and "inspectors" responsible for key regions of the country.

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Lukashenko's position appears more secure after a national strike call by the opposition failed to bring the economy to a halt this week. Security forces have arrested more than 16,000 people since a presidential election on Aug. 9 which the opposition and Western government say was rigged.

But protests continue, especially at universities, and the reshuffle suggests the veteran leader is concerned at the time it is taking to stamp out opposition and feels the need to do more.

"Lukashenko is nervous and in a flap, because he can't quell the protests. He thinks if he shuffles the deck of security personnel, it will have an effect. Lukashenko is still betting on stifling the protests," said political analyst Alexander Klaskovsky.

Lukashenko also ordered the strengthening of armed volunteer militia units, which in theory already exist but in practice have not played a role in the crisis till now.

"NOT YET OVER"

The two other two new presidential aides are Valery Vakulchik, who spent eight years as head of the KGB security police, and former deputy interior minister Alexander Barsukov.

Barsukov will be responsible for Minsk, Vakulchik for Brest on the Polish border, and Karayev for Grodno, near the borders with Poland and Lithuania.

The emphasis on security in regions bordering NATO countries is consistent with repeated allegations by Lukashenko that NATO and the West are whipping up unrest in Belarus. In September he staged a high-profile series of military exercises with his key ally, Russia.

Addressing the three new aides, Lukashenko said they were heading to very important areas of the country "in connection with the events that have occurred and are not yet over - we still don't know what this may result in".

"Why you? You are military people, you're knowledgeable, you don't need to be brought up to speed and taught."

Karayev, Barsukov, Vakulchik, and Kubrakov were all hit with European Union travel bans and asset freezes earlier this month for their role in the repression, intimidation, and arbitrary arrest of protesters since the election. The first three were also accused of responsibility for torture.

The United States has also imposed sanctions on Karayev, Barsukov, and Kubrakov.

Belarus denies torturing prisoners and Karayev, the outgoing interior minister, has described its police force as one of the most humane in the world.

US&nbsp;Democratic candidate Joe Biden has said he will expand sanctions on Lukashenko's "henchmen" if he wins next week's presidential election.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko replaced his interior minister and named three security hawks to new roles on Thursday in an attempt to tighten his grip on the country after nearly 12 weeks of mass protests.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko replaced his interior minister and named three security hawks to new roles on Thursday in an attempt to tighten his grip on the country after nearly 12 weeks of mass protests. Ivan Kubrakov, who as head of police in the capital Minsk has led the crackdown on the biggest demonstrations, was appointed interior minister. His predecessor, Yuri Karayev, was one of three men named to new roles as presidential aides and "inspectors" responsible for key regions of the country. Lukashenko's position appears more secure after a national strike call by the opposition failed to bring the economy to a halt this week. Security forces have arrested more than 16,000 people since a presidential election on Aug. 9 which the opposition and Western government say was rigged. But protests continue, especially at universities, and the reshuffle suggests the veteran leader is concerned at the time it is taking to stamp out opposition and feels the need to do more. "Lukashenko is nervous and in a flap, because he can't quell the protests. He thinks if he shuffles the deck of security personnel, it will have an effect. Lukashenko is still betting on stifling the protests," said political analyst Alexander Klaskovsky. Lukashenko also ordered the strengthening of armed volunteer militia units, which in theory already exist but in practice have not played a role in the crisis till now. "NOT YET OVER" The two other two new presidential aides are Valery Vakulchik, who spent eight years as head of the KGB security police, and former deputy interior minister Alexander Barsukov. Barsukov will be responsible for Minsk, Vakulchik for Brest on the Polish border, and Karayev for Grodno, near the borders with Poland and Lithuania. The emphasis on security in regions bordering NATO countries is consistent with repeated allegations by Lukashenko that NATO and the West are whipping up unrest in Belarus. In September he staged a high-profile series of military exercises with his key ally, Russia. Addressing the three new aides, Lukashenko said they were heading to very important areas of the country "in connection with the events that have occurred and are not yet over - we still don't know what this may result in". "Why you? You are military people, you're knowledgeable, you don't need to be brought up to speed and taught." Karayev, Barsukov, Vakulchik, and Kubrakov were all hit with European Union travel bans and asset freezes earlier this month for their role in the repression, intimidation, and arbitrary arrest of protesters since the election. The first three were also accused of responsibility for torture. The United States has also imposed sanctions on Karayev, Barsukov, and Kubrakov. Belarus denies torturing prisoners and Karayev, the outgoing interior minister, has described its police force as one of the most humane in the world. US Democratic candidate Joe Biden has said he will expand sanctions on Lukashenko's "henchmen" if he wins next week's presidential election.

Lukashenko shakes up security team to stamp out Belarus protests

Factory workers chanted slogans, students and pensioners took to the streets, and police detained at least 235 people on Monday as the Belarusian opposition sought to intensify pressure on veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko with a nationwide strike.

Belarus: Workers and students pose strike challenge to Belarusian leader

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call on Saturday that Belarus and Russia were ready to respond jointly to external threats, Russian agencies quoted Belarus state media as saying.

Belarus and Russia will respond to external threats, Lukashenko tells Pompeo

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported.

No details of the call were immediately available, the Belta news agency said.

Lukashenko, who is holding on to power despite major protests in recent weeks calling for him to resign, is facing the prospect of a national strike that could begin on Monday following an ultimatum set by opposition leaders.

Lukashenko has shown no sign he will heed the ultimatum and step down. Protests against his 26-year rule began following an Aug. 9 election victory his opponents say was rigged.

Washington has imposed sanctions on Belarus officials following violent crackdowns at demonstrations in Minsk and across the country.

Protesters shouting slogans and waving red-and-white opposition flags marched through the streets of Minsk on Saturday, footage taken by local media showed.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing an opposition threat of a national strike, spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday, state media reported. No details of the call were immediately available, the Belta news agency said. Lukashenko, who is holding on to power despite major protests in recent weeks calling for him to resign, is facing the prospect of a national strike that could begin on Monday following an ultimatum set by opposition leaders. Lukashenko has shown no sign he will heed the ultimatum and step down. Protests against his 26-year rule began following an Aug. 9 election victory his opponents say was rigged. Washington has imposed sanctions on Belarus officials following violent crackdowns at demonstrations in Minsk and across the country. Protesters shouting slogans and waving red-and-white opposition flags marched through the streets of Minsk on Saturday, footage taken by local media showed.

Belarus president Lukashenko speaks by phone to Pompeo: Media

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk.

Earlier in October, Tikhanovskaya warned the Belarusian authorities that all the enterprises across the country would start a nationwide strike and all roads would be blocked if the government failed to fulfil three demands: President Alexander Lukashenko should resign, violence against protesters should end, and all the political prisoners should be released. The ultimatum expires on Sunday.

"Last week, a 'People's Ultimatum' was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said.

The US embassy called on compatriots to avoid mass gatherings, monitor local media updates, carry proper identification at all times, including a US passport with a current Belarusian visa."Maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use," the statement said.

Mass opposition protests have been ongoing in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election in which Lukashenko secured his sixth consecutive term. The opposition has refused to recognize the official results and continues holding rallies.

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk.

The US Embassy in Belarus has recommended its compatriots to avoid mass gatherings and stock up with at least three-day supply of food, water and medicines, in light of the so-called People's Ultimatum announced by Belarusian ex-presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to the government in Minsk. Earlier in October, Tikhanovskaya warned the Belarusian authorities that all the enterprises across the country would start a nationwide strike and all roads would be blocked if the government failed to fulfil three demands: President Alexander Lukashenko should resign, violence against protesters should end, and all the political prisoners should be released. The ultimatum expires on Sunday. "Last week, a 'People's Ultimatum' was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said. The US embassy called on compatriots to avoid mass gatherings, monitor local media updates, carry proper identification at all times, including a US passport with a current Belarusian visa."Maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use," the statement said. Mass opposition protests have been ongoing in Belarus since the August 9 presidential election in which Lukashenko secured his sixth consecutive term. The opposition has refused to recognize the official results and continues holding rallies.

US advises compatriots in Belarus to stock up essentials as opposition's ultimatum expires

Belarus' interior ministry said on Thursday the opposition protests in the country were developing into a terrorist threat. Belarus has been roiled in protests for more than two months now.&nbsp;

Amid all the protests, the head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service made a surprise visit to Belarus on Thursday. This is widely being seen as Russia's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko was elected president in August 9 elections and won a landslide victory. However, his opponents say that the elections were rigged. Massive protests have rocked the country since then. Lukashenko has been ruling Belarus for more than two decades.

On Thursday, the European Parliament awarded Belarus' democratic opposition its annual human rights prize, in support of the country's protests against the results of an August presidential election that the West and the opposition say was rigged.

The parliament cited 10 opposition figures in its award statement, including the main opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Nobel laureate author Svetlana Alexievich.

The EU, Britain, Canada and United States accuse Lukashenko of maintaining power by holding fraudulent elections, jailing opponents and muzzling independent media.

The 50,000 euro ($59,180) Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every year. Past winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Venezuela's democratic opposition and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai.

(With Reuters inputs)

Belarus' interior ministry said on Thursday the opposition protests in the country were developing into a terrorist threat. Belarus has been roiled in protests for more than two months now.

Belarus' interior ministry said on Thursday the opposition protests in the country were developing into a terrorist threat. Belarus has been roiled in protests for more than two months now. Amid all the protests, the head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service made a surprise visit to Belarus on Thursday. This is widely being seen as Russia's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko was elected president in August 9 elections and won a landslide victory. However, his opponents say that the elections were rigged. Massive protests have rocked the country since then. Lukashenko has been ruling Belarus for more than two decades. On Thursday, the European Parliament awarded Belarus' democratic opposition its annual human rights prize, in support of the country's protests against the results of an August presidential election that the West and the opposition say was rigged. The parliament cited 10 opposition figures in its award statement, including the main opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Nobel laureate author Svetlana Alexievich. The EU, Britain, Canada and United States accuse Lukashenko of maintaining power by holding fraudulent elections, jailing opponents and muzzling independent media. The 50,000 euro ($59,180) Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded every year. Past winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Venezuela's democratic opposition and Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai. (With Reuters inputs)

Belarus says opposition protests developing into terrorist threat

Belarus is currently under political turmoil. Tens of thousands of people gather on the streets every weekend demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

WION Dispatch: Lukashenko to track down protesters in Belarus

Belarus is currently under a political turmoil. Tens of thousand of people gather on the streets every weekends demanding the resignation of the President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko's veiled threat to protesters

Belarus under a political turmoil, thousand of people hit the streets against President

lukashenko

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