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Protests in Belarus. March of Unity in the streets of Minsk. Demonstrating detention

The March of Unity passed on Sunday through the streets of the Belarusian capital. The demonstration, according to various sources, from several dozen to even 150 thousand people, reached the seat of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Militia and army units were sent to the city. Armored cars have also entered the center of Minsk. There were detentions near the presidential palace shortly after most of the protesters left.

As reported by the Polish Press Agency, over 100,000 people took part in the March of Unity in Minsk on Sunday. The march, heralded as another mass protest after the presidential election on 9 August, passed through the center of the Belarusian capital to the Independence Palace, the seat of the Belarusian president.

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“Lukashenka is in trouble. 100-150,000 people have gathered near his residence. Everyone is chanting: ‘Lukashenka – to the police car’, ‘Lukashenka – to the prison toilet’ and ‘Court!’ “- reported the Belarusian journalist Franak Vyachorka on Twitter. The Polish Press Agency, in turn, reported on at least several dozen thousand protesters in front of the presidential palace.

The protesters walked close to the cordon formed by OMON officers and soldiers of the internal troops, as well as by a police watering can and machines with folding shields to break up the demonstration. On the fence that was created in this way, the demonstrators glued posters and painted graffiti.

“Go away!” and “Shame” – chanted Lukashenka during a demonstration that has become a traditional event on Sunday during the protest action following the rigged presidential elections. The siren sounded constantly from the security forces, which was probably intended to deter the demonstrators.

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Crowds in MinskEPA / PAP

When only small groups of people remained in front of the president’s office, the arrests began. According to reports by independent media and their readers, the police are stopping smaller groups of people who have previously participated in the demonstration spreading around the city. During the protest, one of the officers sprayed gas (I don’t know what) at the demonstrators after one of them wrote offensive words against Alyaksandr Lukashenka on a car used to break up the demonstration.

“One for all, all for one”

During the demonstration, many white, red and white flags in the national colors used by the opposition were visible in the crowd. People came in crowds, despite the rain falling, many dressed in appropriate clothes.

“The slogan of today’s march is: One for all, all for one” – wrote Wiaczorka earlier on Sunday. Under the entry, he posted a video showing a white and red crowd marching through the center of Minsk. “This protest is to show that people are united in their desire for change, while the authorities are trying to divide the nation,” he added.

Ania and Wacław came to the march with their two children, aged one and two, despite strong warnings from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that their parents should “come to their senses” and act responsibly.

– First of all, the children are with us because we don’t have anyone to leave them with – Ania laughed. – And seriously, we believe that we should all be here because the future of our children is being decided – she added. – Why should we be afraid to go out on the streets in our own city? Wacław asked. In his opinion, Belarusians have the right to peaceful protest. – People are arrested and intimidated, but the number of protesters is not decreasing. Maybe it will give the authorities food for thought – he added.

Wiasna: over 150 detainees

In the morning, militia and military equipment drove into the center from the outskirts of the city, including trucks, cars for accelerating demonstrations and watering cans, as well as armored cars. BRDM armored vehicles appeared, among others near the seat of the president – the Palace of Independence. A column of BTR armored personnel carriers also entered the city, reported the TUT.by portal.

The streets in the city center were also blocked and most shops were closed. There are also no metro stations.

The police tried to stop the Sunday march by blocking the roads and making stops. The Belarusian Center for the Defense of Human Rights, Wiasna, announced the detention of over 150 people in Minsk on Sunday. Among the detainees is a member of the Coordination Council established by the opposition, Wolha Paulawa.

The Internet was also disrupted in Minsk. Data transfer speed deteriorated significantly. One of the operators confirmed that this happened on the orders of the authorities. Instant messaging is not possible, and websites are not loading.

The Ministry of the Interior warned in the morning that it would stop “illegal actions” and called on citizens not to take part in them.

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The building of the Belarusian Ministry of the Interior in Minsk surrounded by the armyPAP/EPA/STRINGER

Arrests, but much less numerous, also took place in other cities in Belarus: Grodno, Brest, Baranavichy and Vitebsk. In Mogilev, the militia detained Alesia Asipcova, a journalist from the BiełaPAN news agency.

Last Sunday and two weeks ago, several hundred thousand people took part in the protest marches. Protests against the rigging of elections have been going on in Belarus for 29 days.

BelarusPAP / Maciej Zieliński

photo-source">Main photo source: EPA / PAP

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