Belarus police detain more than a hundred during protests in Minsk

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More than a hundred demonstrators were detained by national security forces in Belarus during protests in the capital Minsk on Sunday.

Thousands of protestors organized themselves to meet in remote residential areas of the capital to then march to the streets of the city, calling for the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Protests have been taking place weekly since the controversial results of the latest presidential election on August 9, in which Lukashenko was declared the winner. According to the opposition, the election was rigged. Lukashenko has rejected those claims.

Law enforcement officers run to disperse demonstrators. /Stringer/AFP

Footage from Sunday's rallies shows riot police detaining protesters on Partizansky Avenue, in the capital, and leading them to minibuses. A video of the police allegedly firing shots during the protest was also shared by news agencies.

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Lukashenko, who had been in power for the last 26 years, has said he would step down as president once a new constitution was adopted, promising reforms that will lessen the power now concentrated in the hands of the president.

"I will not work as president with you under the new constitution," Lukashenko was quoted by the local Belta news agency.

Russia, considered Lukashenko's key ally, is supportive of his intention to reform the constitution, but protesters dismiss the president's promised reforms as attempts to stall protests.

Video editor: Paula Harvey

Cover image: /Stringer/AFP

Source(s): Reuters ,AP