Protesters Barricade Minsk Streets During Second Night of Anti-Government Rallies

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 on the streets of Minsk at night, including a cohort chanting and clapping around a makeshift barricade. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful