Clashes Erupt in Minsk Between Protesters and OMON Forces, Riot Police Use Rubber Bullets Against Citizens

Clashes have erupted in Minsk between OMON special forces and protesters. According to РИА Новости, supporters of the opposition gathered in large numbers near the "Mikhalovo" metro station, after which the police began to disperse them. The protesters retreated to a nearby park, where fresh reinforcements joined them. Fights and arrests have begun.

Additionally, reports indicate that OMON forces are attacking building entrances on one of the streets where protesters might be hiding. The gathering near the "Magnit" shopping center is being dispersed with the use of rubber bullets. Arrests of protest participants have also begun in the city of Grodno. It has been reported that law enforcement has stopped several journalists, one of whom was beaten.

It is worth noting that residents of Belarus took to the streets following the presidential elections on August 9, expressing their dissatisfaction with the results, which indicated that the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, received over 80 percent of the votes.