KYIV – Crowds of people took to the streets Sunday in the Belarusian capital of Minsk in a weekly protest against the country’s authoritarian leader who won a sixth term in office in a disputed election.
Thousands were estimated to have taken part in small rallies scattered around more than 70 different areas of the capital — a new tactic used by the opposition instead of one large gathering — to make it harder for security forces to target the protesters.
Demonstrators carrying red-and-white flags, the symbol of the protest, gathered in groups and marched down residential areas of the city, demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko. “Lukashenko, go away!” crowds chanted.