Belarus Oppositionist Released From Jail

Vintsuk Vyachorka on March 9 (RFE/RL)

March 23, 2006 -- A Belarusian opposition leader was released today after 15 days in prison for organizing an unauthorized preelection rally against President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Vintsuk Vyachorka said there were between 180 to 200 people at the jail imprisoned for involvement in protests against Lukashenka.

According to final official results, Lukashenka was reelected on March 19 to a third term in office with 83 percent of the vote. His main opposition challenger, Alyaksandr Milinkevich, got 6.1 percent.

The opposition says the election was rigged and is demanding a rerun.

Some 200 protesters against Lukashenka's reelection maintained a vigil in a central Minsk square for a fifth consecutive day today.

(compiled from agency reports)