Belarus protests: police use water cannons as over 100,000 march in 8th weekend rally

Masked security forces in uniforms without insignia moved harshly against the protesters, whose rallies have been banned by authorities

Protests against President Alexander Lukashenko have been ongoing since disputed presidential elections on August 9

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Police use a water cannon truck against demonstrators in Minsk on October 4, 2020. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:54pm, 4 Oct 2020Updated: 9:37pm, 25 Nov 2020

Despite large numbers of security forces, more than 100,000 demonstrators on Sunday took to the streets of Belarus for the eighth consecutive weekend protest against long-time President Alexander Lukashenko.

On videos shared on the Telegram messaging app, thousands of people could be seen walking through the centre of Minsk in large groups.

Water cannons were used against some of the demonstrators, and several people were arrested shortly after the march had begun. Masked security forces in uniforms without insignia moved harshly against the protesters, whose rallies had been banned by authorities.

The Belarusian journalists’ association reported that at least three media representatives had been taken into custody by police.

Belarus withdrew the accreditation of all foreign correspondents with immediate effect on Friday, making independent coverage difficult.

People in Minsk march to reject the presidential election results on October 4, 2020. Photo: Reuters

Observers reported that mobile internet was turned off as authorities try to prevent protesters from discussing which routes to take, and underground stations were closed to hinder access to the city centre.

Called by the Belarusian opposition, the Sunday protests usually see a large turnout; some 100,000 people had also taken part in last weekend’s gathering, when over 350 of them were arrested.