Thousands protest in Belarus against Lukashenko; dozens arrested

Thousands of Belarusians demonstrated against President Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday, December 6, during which security forces arrested dozens of people.

Protesters are demanding Mr. Lukashenko step down from power.

Since the disputed August presidential election in Belarus, protests have been almost continuous in Minsk and other cities across the country, and this is the third Sunday that Lukashenko's opponents have held "decentralized" demonstrations.

For the past three weeks, the country's opposition has been trying to make it difficult for the police to arrest and disperse protesters by organizing rallies in neighborhoods.

The August 9 vote handed Lukashenko a sixth term as president, but opponents believe his rival, Svetlana Tsikhanouskaya, is the real winner.

The West has also refused to accept the results of these elections and has imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and dozens of senior Belarusian officials.

Source: Radio Farda