Belarus Election: Riot Police Dispersed Protesters (video)

Belarus held presidential elections on 9 August. According to a state exit poll, the incumbent President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko won 79,7% of the vote. Residents of the country do not agree with such data and went on spontaneous protests, which led to clashes with riot police, Sputnik Belarus reports.

Riot police fired stun grenades, used batons, tear gas and against the demonstrators. According to human rights activists, 10 people were injured and 170 were detained.

Video of Radio Svoboda in Belarus

The presidents of Poland and Lithuania, Andrzej Duda and Gitanas Nauseda, condemned the violent dispersal of Belarusians rallies. “As Belarus’ neighbours, we call on the Belarusian authorities to fully recognise and adhere to the basic democratic standards. We call for abstinence from violence and respect for fundamental freedoms, human and civil rights, including the rights of national minorities and freedom of expression.”

Natalia Tolub