Belarus puts pressure on protesters in attack on US

Authorities in Belarus detained a leader of striking factory workers and threatened protesters with criminal charges in a bid to stem massive protests.

Investigators also summoned three leading opposition activists for questioning as part of a criminal probe into the creation of a coordination council intended to facilitate the transition of power.

President Alexander Lukashenko accused the US of instigating the protests as he visited a state farm to rally support.

“The US is planning and directing everything, and the Europeans are playing up to it,” he said.

The United States urged Belarus’ authorities to engage in a dialogue with the opposition council and described the presidential election that handed Mr Lukashenko a sixth term as neither free nor fair.