Police Reportedly Detain Democracy Protesters In Minsk

Opposition parties are urging people to support Alyaksandr Milinkevich in March's election (file photo) (RFE/RL) 16 February 2006 -- Opposition activists say police in Minsk today detained two dozen protesters who were rallying against President Alyaksandr Lukashenka and calling for a fair vote in next month's presidential election.

The detentions could not be independently confirmed.

The activists say about 200 people defied a government ban and gathered to remember leading opposition figures who disappeared several years ago.

Lukashenka, who is accused by the West of crushing dissent, is seeking a third term in office in the 19 March election. Opposition parties are trying to mount a challenge by urging people to unite behind independent candidate Alyaksandr Milinkevich.

(Reuters)