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Protests in Belarus continue, with more than 700 people arrested during Sunday’s rally, according to Belarusian police. At least 26 of those arrested were journalists. The Interior Ministry said on Monday that police can now use sharp weapons against protesters protesting against the regime.
According to the AFP news agency, the Interior Ministry writes in its decision, among other things, that the protesters have become radicalized.
“The protests have become more organized and extremely radicalized,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
“In this context, the personnel and troops of the Ministry of the Interior will not leave the streets and special means and military weapons will be used if necessary.”
Most are detained
During Sunday’s protests, police used water cannons and fired rubber bullets, claims the human rights organization Vjasna. There have also been reports of the use of violence against protesters. Most of the 700 people arrested Sunday remain in custody.
Since the elections on August 9 this year, there have been huge protests in the capital, Minsk. President Alexander Lukashenko claims he won a landslide victory, but critics say the election was rigged.
