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Tens of thousands of opponents demonstrated in Minsk on Sunday in a new mass movement against the re-election of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, according to AFP journalists and local media.
Protesters gathered in the center of the Belarusian capital despite heavy security, waving red and white opposition flags and shouting “Go away.”
The security forces intervened at the start of the demonstration around 2:00 p.m. (11:00 GMT) and detained dozens of participants. But she did not use tear gas or rubber bullets as she did in previous meetings.
Media and opposition groups on the Telegram app posted scenes of demonstrations involving thousands of people in other Belarusian cities, such as Brest and Grodno.
Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, faces a protest movement unprecedented since the August 9 elections, in which he declared a landslide victory of around 80% of the vote.
Previously, the opposition organized two large demonstrations this month.
The European Union rejected the results of the presidential elections, saying it was preparing to impose sanctions on senior Belarusian officials, and urged Lukashenko to enter into a dialogue with the opposition.
For his part, Lukashenko refused to make concessions and denounced a Western plot to overthrow him.
The authorities responded to the demonstrations with a violent security campaign condemned by Western presidents and human rights groups.
At least three people died and hundreds were injured in acts of violence, while some 7,000 were arrested.
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