Belarus Lukashenko: Protesters defy heavy security

               Protesters in Minsk, 6 September

Tens of thousands of people have rallied in the Belarusian capital Minsk for a new unsanctioned protest against President Alexander Lukashenko.

 Riot police charged protesters near the presidential palace, firing pepper spray and wielding batons, and several dozen arrests were made.Protesters are seeking the resignation of the long-time president.They accuse the authorities of rigging his re-election just over a month ago, sparking deadly mass unrest.At least four people have died and hundreds have been injured since then, as the government tried to stamp out dissent.A number of opposition figures have fled the country, On Saturday, activist Olga Kovalkova became the latest to say she had taken refuge in neighboring Poland amid threats of imprisonment.

 


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