Hundreds of university students gathered in the Belarusian capital on September 1 for a march after the country’s opposition called for a nationwide strike to coincide with the first day of the school year.
Columns of students carrying banned red-and-white flags that have long been a symbol of opposition to President Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s rule flocked to the center of Minsk.
At least 28 people were detained as riot police dispersed protesters at several locations, according to the Vyasna human rights group.
Dozens Detained In Minsk As Students March To Demand Lukashenka's Resignation
- By RFE/RL
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A student is detained by police.
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President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has kept a tight grip on Belarus for 26 years, was declared the winner in an August 9 presidential election, which was widely viewed as rigged in his favor.
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Another student is detained by police.
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Students clash with police.
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Students march in Minsk.
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A student is detained.
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Students march in Minsk on September 1.
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A student is detained and carried into a van by police.
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In a statement on September 1, UN human rights experts said they had received reports of 450 documented cases of torture and ill-treatment of people held in custody since the August 9 election.
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The protesters are demanding Lukashenka's resignation, the release of all political prisoners, and free and fair elections.
