BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

26/02/2008

Belarus police clash with protestors

Belarusian police have cracked down on opposition protests in the capital against President Alexander Lukashenka's 'authoritarianism'.

More than one 100 demonstrators were placed under arrest during the Tuesday rallies in Minsk which were essentially staged in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Belarusian People's Republic.

Dissidents have been using the event to voice disquiet over what they called the president's 'authoritarian' rule as well as 'absence of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly" in their country.

Rallies many of whom carried flags blazoned with the European Union's emblem, had the authorities' partial approval for their march and were dispersed after tried making their way towards the presidential residence.

Police had to resort to force as they scrambled to lead the oppositionists away from the city's central square.

Hailed for maintaining economic stability, and avoiding the post-communist turmoil seen in neighboring countries, Lukashenko was faced with allegations of voter fraud during his re-election as president in 2006.

Lukashenko has been described by the US as Europe's 'last dictator', while he enjoys high approval rating across his country.

Source:

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=48965§ionid=351020606

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