Belarusian Interior Minister Apologizes for Injuries to Bystanders During Protests

The Belarusian Interior Minister, Yuri Karaev, has stated that he takes responsibility for the injuries sustained by innocent bystanders during the protests and has extended his apologies.

According to РИА Новости, the minister made this statement during the 'Markov. Nothing Personal' program broadcasted on Belarusian state television. Reports indicate that the head of the police in Grodno also apologized for the actions of his subordinates during the protests. 'I am not hitting you. Please forgive my staff if they have caused you pain,' stated the police chief.

Mass protests in Belarus have continued since the presidential elections held on August 9. Citizens are expressing their dissatisfaction with the election results, which declared the incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko the winner with over 80 percent of the vote.

For several days, clashes have occurred between protesters and security forces in various cities, including Brest, Gomel, Grodno, and the capital Minsk. Many people have been injured, and thousands have been detained. It has been reported that during the clashes on August 10, one person lost their life.