Europe
2020.10.28 01:30 GMT+8

Lukashenko says Belarus faces 'terrorist threats' as protests continue

Updated 2020.10.28 01:30 GMT+8

Sunday’s rally in the capital Minsk was one of the largest in weeks and drew almost 200,000 people. /Nikolai Petrov/AP

 

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko has said that the country faces "terrorist threats" from protestors after the opposition demanded his resignation and launched strike action.

Lukashenko, 66, claimed to have won a large election victory in August over political newcomer Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, sparking protests that have continued for more than two months. 

The opposition says that the election results were rigged. Several people have died and thousands have been arrested in the post-election crackdown.

On Monday, workers at a number of factories went on strike after Lukashenko ignored the opposition's call for him to resign and end the violence against protesters. However, most state-run enterprises continued to operate.

"These are the actions of organized criminal groups with signs of terrorism. We are starting to face terrorist threats," Lukashenko said.

 

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The president added that some of the protesters had "crossed a red line" and some sought to block railways.

Sunday's rally in the capital Minsk was one of the largest in weeks and drew almost 200,000 people.

Nearly 600 people were detained at demonstrations across the country on Monday, according to the country’s interior ministry.

Tikhanovskaya, who is currently based in neighbouring Lithuania, confirmed on Tuesday that the "strike continues."

"Support everyone who declared a strike for our future," Tikhanovskaya said.

Source(s): AP
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