Security Forces Crack Down on Protesters in Minsk After Lukashenko Holds Secret Inauguration

Protesters descended on central Minsk on Wednesday, September 23, hours after Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko held an unannounced inauguration to begin his sixth term in office, according to reports.

Demonstrators have protested since an August 9 presidential election that state officials said Lukashenko won in a landslide. The results were denounced by opposition politicians who claimed the election was rigged. Many of Lukashenko’s opponents, as well as foreign officials, have had to flee the country.

This footage, taken in the Belarusian capital on Wednesday, shows demonstrators moving around the city. Riot police can be seen detaining protesters, while security vehicles use water cannons. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful