Demonstration To Stop Authoritarian Power In Belarus Spreads Even Though Officials Threaten To Use Firearms

Action against Lukashenko's victory in Minsk (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - Thousands of people rallied in the capital of Belarus, Minsk. Demands for President Alexander Lukashenko to resign have not subsided even though the authorities have called for gun threats.

Belarus, a former Soviet Republic closely allied with Russia, has been rocked by a series of protests. This has happened since the authorities announced Lukashenko's lead in the August 9 elections with 80 percent of the vote.

Interfax news agency said the number of demonstrators was at more than 30 thousand people. Among that, 50 demonstrators were arrested.

In addition, the security authorities also disrupted cellular broadband signals in several areas in Minsk. It was also stated that a loud sound like stun grenades could be heard close to the crowd.

A senior police official last week said police officers would be allowed to use firearms against demonstrators. Security forces have detained more than 13,000 people since the election.

Among the arrests, the police also arrested all influential opposition leaders who have not left the country. Apart from that, the authorities also put pressure on the independent media.

Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania, last week urged Lukashenko to resign. Sviatlana also gave a deadline until October 25.

He said Lukashenko would face national action that paralyzed Belarus if Lukashenko missed the deadline. Pressure on Lukashenko continues to grow. The President has been leading authoritatively since 1994.