Explosions Sound in Minsk as Security Forces Confront Protesters at Barricades

One man was killed on August 10 as thousands took to the streets for a second night of anti-government protests in the Belarusian capital of Minsk following a presidential election that opponents claim was a sham, according to reports.

The country’s interior ministry told media outlets that a protester was killed while attempting to throw an explosive at security forces on the Monday night.

Police reportedly fired tear gas and deployed rubber bullets against protesters as hundreds were arrested in the first night of unrest.

The demonstrations follow the reelection of incumbent president Alexander Lukashenko for his sixth term with an overwhelming majority. The main opposition candidate, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, claimed the vote was rigged.

This footage from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty shows groups of people near a makeshift barricade outside a shopping mall in the north of Minsk. Several loud explosions can be heard and the crowd can be seen running away from the blasts. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful