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Belarus: Tens of thousands march despite threat to open fire

Nation gripped by protests after Lukashenko claimed victory

19 October, 13:06
(ANSA-AFP) - MINSK, 19 OTT - Belarusian police on Sunday detained more than 100 people as tens of thousands marched against strongman Alexander Lukashenko in defiance of police threats to open fire after weeks of demonstrations. Crowds of demonstrators descended on a gritty industrial neighbourhood in southeast Minsk for a march along Partisan Prospect, a key transport artery and home to a number of factories. Some protesters chanted "Strike!" and "You and your riot police get out!" The ex-Soviet nation has been gripped by historic protests after Lukashenko claimed victory in August 9 elections over Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a popular opposition candidate.

Belarusian interior ministry spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told AFP that more than 100 people had been detained in Minsk.

Protesters took to the streets despite threats by police this week to use lethal force from now on "if necessary". Protester Anzhela Krasovskaya said she was not afraid. "There's no way back for us," Krasovskaya told AFP. "If they start shooting then there would be even more people in the streets." (ANSA-AFP).

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