More than 100,000 people took part in a peaceful march in Minsk on September 27. Large-scale protests also took place in Homel, Hrodna, and other cities across Belarus. According to the Interior Ministry, about 200 people were detained, while human rights activists say at least 230 people were detained.
Tens Of Thousands March On 50th Day Of Protests In Belarus
- By RFE/RL
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The peaceful march on September 27 was declared the "people's inauguration for Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya," after Alyaksandr Lukashenka secretly held a presidential inauguration ceremony on September 23.
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Protesters gather in Minsk on September 27.
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People attend an opposition rally to reject the presidential election results and to protest against the inauguration of Lukashenka in Minsk on September 27.
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Military equipment is seen on the streets of Minsk during the protest. Participants of the march shouted "Long live Belarus!" over it.
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People started to be detained shortly after the peaceful march started.
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According to the Interior Ministry, about 200 people were detained at the rallies on September 27 around the country.
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Despite the arrests, more than 100,000 people took part in the march in Minsk, according to independent media estimates.
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Belarusian opposition supporters attend a rally in Minsk.
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Protesters dressed as Lukashenka and a security officer attend a rally in Minsk.
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A protester holds up a sign that reads, "Bring back my vote."
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Protesters march in Minsk.
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At about 5 p.m., according to Google Maps, traffic in Minsk was almost completely blocked.
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Mass protests took place in other cities of Belarus as well. In Homel the security forces used tear gas and a flash-noise flare gun against participants of the peaceful march. People were violently detained. The sign reads "Crazy cockroach king."
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A protester in Homel holds a sign that reads, "Our president is Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya."
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Special forces brutally detain a protester in Hrodna.
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The protest rally in Mahilyou was also dispersed by security forces.
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When people started to leave the rally in small groups, arrests began. Protesters reported that riot policemen and people in civilian clothes detained Minsk residents in courtyards.
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