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On September 20, March of Justice kicked off at 2 pm (local time) in the Belarusian capital and regions. It is the sixth Sunday rally of thousands in a row; a day earlier, ‘Glittering’ Women’s March was marred by severe detentions.
For over a month, post-election protests have been underway in the country; the major demands of Belarusians are Lukashenka’s resignation; holding a free and fair election; releasing political prisoners; putting an end to police violence as well as propaganda on state-run TV stations.
Since August 9, thousands of Belarusians have been detained across the country. Several thousand detainees filed complaints against police officers’ illegal actions to the Investigative Committee. However, not a single criminal case has been opened over the citizens’ appeals.
Since the very morning, security officers have been delivering fences and special equipment to the centre of Minsk. Armoured personnel carriers, paddy wagons, barbed wire and other special equipment have already been spotted in various corners of the capital city. At about 14.00, mobile operator A1 reported that government agencies asked them to slow down the speed of the Internet services they provide.
In Hrodna, three policemen who had a megaphone and cameras were seen at the place where protesters were gathering. Despite of backsets and warnings, Hrodna residents are taking to the streets.
According to our Hrodna-based reporter Ales Kairys, the local police brutally grabbed protesters; the video below shows siloviki taking away a woman who shouts: “I am pregnant!”
OMON riot police took Belsat TV contributors Alina Skrabunova and Alyaksandr Sidlareuski to Leninski district police department of Mahiliou.
March of Justice in Vitsebsk:
In Brest, OMON riot policemen attacked and teargased protesters; a silovik fired in the air; numerous brutal detentions were reported:
At about 14.30 (local time), targeted detentions started in the vicinity of the Palace of Sports in Minsk:
15.00 A group of Justice March participants headed to Minsk Hero City Stele, one of the protest spots in Minsk.
16.50 According to human rights centre Viasna, 20 persons have been detained in Minsk, 13 – in the regions; the list of detainees is being updated.
In Minsk, one of the column marching along Kalvaryiskaya, Haradski Val, Bahdanovich, Nyamiha streets reached Kamarouski market and Yakub Kolas, then they headed to Victory Square. The police brutaly detained people in Bahdanovich Street, Zmitrok Byadulya Square as well as in the vicinity of Central Department Store (TSUM).
As of 20.00, 83 pesons have been detained in Minsk, 50 – in the regions, human rights centre Viasna reports.
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