Local Belarussian media have shown factory workers shouting slogans and a student sit-in as an opposition strike call came into effect. President Alexander Lukashenko remains defiant after 11 weeks of mass protest.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko ignored an opposition ultimatum to quit Monday as local media showed factory workers and students protesting as part of an intended general strike.
Lukashenko's refusal to resign over claims his August 9 reelection was rigged followed renewed mass protests Sunday. Police used stun grenades as more than 100,000 people gathered in Minsk and elsewhere. The Interior Ministry said police made 523 arrests across the country.
"The regime has once again showed the Belarusians that violence is the only thing it is capable of,'' said civil rights activist and exiled opposition figure Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in a statement from neighboring Lithuania.
The latest twist in the standoff was being closely watched Monday by neighboring Russia and Western governments.
Lukashenko scoffed, asking "who will feed the kids?" if workers at state-owned enterprises went on strike.
Latest Stories
-
Paris Olympic hopes hang in the balance as Ghana’s 4×100 relay team drops baton at World Relays
2 hours -
Western Regional House of Chiefs commends Bawumia for his humility and respect for traditional authorities
3 hours -
#JustTurned18: First-time voters critical to deciding 2024 presidential election
4 hours -
Video: EC lied that the cost per voter in 2020 was $7.7; it was $12.5 – Bright Simons
4 hours -
Former IGP passes on
5 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Kwadaso MP gave money to EC officials out of goodwill – Ahiagbah
5 hours -
Millennium City: Land owner breaks silence on fatal shooting of soldier
5 hours -
Photos of 2024 Aboakyer Festival
6 hours -
#JustTurned18: I now have an opportunity to use my thumb to bring someone into power – Excited prospective voters
6 hours -
OSP acted as a whistleblower transferring Cecilia Dapaah’s case to EOCO – Sammy Darko
6 hours -
IMF calls for tariff adjustment for energy sector cost recovery
6 hours -
Samson’s Take: Journalists, block the pretentious idiots
8 hours -
Real Madrid crowned LaLiga champions after Barcelona’s defeat at Girona
8 hours -
Daniel Otting Awuah elected SRC President of Ghana School of Law
9 hours -
Lawrence Ati-Zigi signs St. Gallen contract extension
9 hours