The latest protest comes amid a harsh crackdown on media freedoms.
Tens of thousands of opposition supporters marched through the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Sunday, August 30, calling for an end to's rule, despite heavily armed police and troops blocking streets and detaining dozens of demonstrators.
Sunday's rally fell on Lukashenko's 66th birthday and online opposition messages urged people to bring flowers and"creative" handmade gifts reflecting their attitude to the authoritarian leader.Others held quirky items aloft including a cardboard model toilet with a sign urging Lukashenko to"flush" himself away.
Some linked arms to march along the middle of a main street and attempted to remonstrate with black-clad riot police. Marchers began moving there and some stood on the grass nearby. The atmosphere remained relaxed and festive, with a violinist playing a protest song and people dancing to rave music.On Saturday the Belarusian foreign ministryworking for international media, including AFP, the BBC and Radio Liberty / Radio Free Europe, with a government official citing"counter-terrorism" grounds.
Lukashenko spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before the protest began with the Kremlin leader wishing him a happy birthday.
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