Activist killed in second night of protests
A PROTESTER died in clashes with police in the capital Minsk as thousands demonstrated for a second night against the election victory of President Alexander Lukashenko.
The Belarus Interior Ministry said the victim intended to throw an explosive device, but it blew up in his hand and killed him.
Police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse large crowds who formed yesterday evening to protest against the result of the election, which they believe was rigged. It came after dozens of protesters were injured and thousands detained after clashes on Sunday night when the results were announced.
Police also used tear gas and water cannons to break up the mostly young protesters as well as beating them with truncheons. Rights activists said the protester died after being run over by a police truck, which the authorities denied.
Election officials said Mr Lukashenko won a sixth term in office with 80 per cent of the vote, while opposition challenger Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya got 10 per cent. She dismissed the official results as a sham and submitted a formal request for a recount to the Central Election Commission.
She has left her country and is now “safe” in Lithuania, the country’s foreign minister said today.
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