Index on Censorship has learned that Natalia Koliada, a founder member of the Belarus Free Theatre, has been detained by authorities in Minsk. Koliada has been unable to contact other members of the dissident theatre group. Tens of thousands of people have gathered in the Belarusian capital’s Independence Square to protest the result of the presidential election, which incumbent Alexander Lukashenko claims to have won with 79 per cent of the vote.
– Two opposition leaders beaten
– Tens of thousands gather in Minsk’s Independence Square
– Lukashenko claims 79 per cent of poll
– Index on Censorship told of 31 detentions prior to demonstrations
Belarus Free Theatre founders arrested
Up to 600 protestors detained
As the world’s attention turns to Europe’s last dictatorship, Index’s Mike Harris explains the bakground to today’s demonstrations
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Three activists from opposition Malady Front were detained in front of the presidential office. Uladzimer Yaromenak, Eduard Lobau and Hanna Sharuba were holding placards demanding President Alyaksandr Lukashenka to step down. Earlier last week supporters of opposition candidates were attacked in the western region of Hrodna while distributing leaflets. Belarus’ presidential election is taking place on 19 December 2010.
Anton Taras, journalist with Belapan news agency, was arrested yesterday (8 Dec) while trying to photograph a demonstrator participating in an anti-Lukashenko protest, according to Earth Times. The rally was organised by the well-known opposition group Belarus National Bolshevik Party. Evgeniy Kontush, one of the leaders of the group was also detained.