AP: “Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko warned Monday that the protesters who challenge the official vote results extending his 26-year rule will face a tough crackdown, deriding the opposition as ‘sheep’ manipulated by foreign masters.”
“Dozens were injured and thousands detained hours after Sunday’s vote, when police brutally broke up mostly young protesters with tear gas, water cannons and flash-bang grenades and beat them with truncheons. Rights activists said one person died after being run over by a police truck — which the authorities denied. Election officials said Monday that Lukashenko won a sixth term in office with 80% of the vote, while opposition challenger Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya got 10%. Tsikhanouskaya dismissed the official results as a sham and submitted a formal request for a recount to the Central Election Commission. On Monday evening, scattered groups of opposition supporters began gathering in downtown Minsk, chanting ‘Freedom!’ and ‘Long live Belarus!.’ Heavy police contingents deployed to block central squares and avenues.”