Belarus Election: Protesters Clash with Police in Central Minsk, Explosions Heard

Tear gas was used against protesters in Brest.

In Belarus, a group of protesters took to the streets in Minsk and Brest. The reason was the results of the state exit poll, according to which incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko won about 80% of the vote.

Near several gymnasiums, police with the help of OMON dispersed and detained people, even though polling stations had not yet closed.

After 8:00 p.m., when polling stations had already closed, police blocked Masherov Avenue in Minsk. There, near the Planeta hotel, a group of protesters gathered, chanting “Zhyve Belarus” and “Shame”.

Shortly after, law enforcement officers also began detaining them, and clashes broke out between the protesters and law enforcement.

Clashes with OMON moved to Pobediteley Avenue. According to the latest reports, protesters began converging on the avenue from the Belarus cinema.

In addition, authorities blocked off the entire city center, restricting traffic, including the metro.

At 9:00 p.m., when the exit poll results had already been announced, almost all Belarusian websites stopped working. Internet disruptions in Belarus had been noticed as early as the morning.

It is also known that in Brest, law enforcement used tear gas against a column of protesters, as a result of which two people were detained.

Later, clashes between protesters and OMON took place closer to the center of Minsk.

Law enforcement officers were dragging one of the detainees directly along the ground.

A column of protesters also appeared near the Sports Palace.

Meanwhile, OMON began advancing on a group of protesters gathered in central Minsk.

In Gomel, there are also protesters on the streets. Many people are chanting “Fascists” as law enforcement vehicles drive past.

Meanwhile, it is reported that in addition to water cannons, OMON has begun using stun grenades and rubber bullets against protesters.

The headquarters of Lukashenko’s opponent, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, previously called the exit poll results a “provocation.” As for voting at polling stations abroad, according to Radio Svoboda Tikhanovskaya received 71.28% of the vote, while Lukashenko received 10.09%.