Belarus opposition condemns crackdown

Opposition leaders in Belarus on Tuesday called on those allied against the country’s leadership to unite after hundreds of protesters were jailed.

Many of the demonstrators were seized by riot police on Sunday in Minsk following the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Opposition head Alexander Milinkevich said:

“I appeal to all allied political parties, movements and civil rights groups – if you do not draw attention to these violent abuses which have taken place in our society, then you will not have freedom in the future.”

Around 600 protesters including seven of the nine opposition challengers President Lukashenko remain hauled up in a prison in the capital.

Some could face up to a maximum of 15 years in jail if found guilty.

Speaking to euronews, President Lukashenko promised tough reprisals.

‘‘I’m not afraid of Europe. I have been re-elected as the president of Belarus. I have to serve my people and security for this country,’‘ he said.

Lukashenko was officially re-elected with nearly 80 per cent of the vote, but the dissent on the streets of the capital has been some of the strongest under is hardline rule.

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