Mass arrests in Belarus

Kiev: More than 900 people have reportedly been arrested in protests calling for authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down.

Demonstrations yesterday continued the wave of neardaily protests that have gripped Belarus since early August.

Police wielded clubs and used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse thousands of demonstrators in the capital, Minsk.

The Viasna human rights organisation said the nationwide arrest total was at least 928 and some of those detained were beaten by police.

Lukashenko, who has suppressed opposition and independent media during 26 years in power, alleges the protests are incited by Western countries. — AAP