A huge rally was held in front of the KGB headquarters in central Minsk, against the rule of President Lukashenko • The masses called on the name of the leader of the Diaspora opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya • At one point soldiers joined the protesters

• Mass demonstrations in Belarus against the government // Photo: Reuters

Another day of battles in the political struggle for the future of Belarus: Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets of cities and central squares in the country today (Sunday) in protest against the falsification of election results and the dictatorial rule of Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko.

In the capital Minsk, 200,000 demonstrators gathered in the country's "Heroes' Square" and chanted slogans against President Lukashenko. The protesters called on the leader of the opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, "Sabta, our president", and called on the condemnation and the rule of Lukashenko.

Tens of thousands also marched on the headquarters of the KGB, the country's general security service, known for its cruelty and loyalty to the ruler. Crowds burst into the building plaza and were seen crowding near the entrance to the site. No attempt was made to stop them. Protesters were joined for the first time by senior figures in the country such as former Culture Minister Pavel Latushko. Alongside the protesters were also groups of soldiers who arrived in training uniforms and shouted in support of the protesters.

Meanwhile, Lukashenko himself is not giving up, despite the growing protests and silencing of the economy by the protesters. The ruler, who announced his victory in last week's election with almost 80 percent of the vote, held a rally in support of his rule in the Independence Square in the capital Minsk with the participation of thousands. The country's official media reported 70,000 participants but foreign journalists reported a few thousand at the rally.

Lukashenko supporters waved Belarusian flags, Communist Party and Russian flags and chanted slogans in support of the ruler, nicknamed "Father." Lukashenko pointed accusing fingers at the West, claiming that the NATO alliance was concentrating forces in Poland, near the Belarusian border. In the NATO alliance they denied the allegations.

One who is not afraid to admit that he is ready for military intervention in Belarus is the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. B. Kamlin announced that Putin had told Lukashenko that his country would provide military assistance to quell the uprising if requested by the government in Belarus. The threat increases protesters' fears of Russian military intervention. Russia and Belarus are in a state of "partial union" that includes economic and military agreements.

More on this topic:

Belarus: Protester beaten to death - protest continues

Tuesday night of riots in Belarus

Belarus burns: Demonstrator killed, dozens injured

The protest in Belarus began last week after Lukashenko announced his victory in the country's presidential election by a huge margin over opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovsky. The protesters claimed that these were near the results of the elections, which were not monitored, while many polling stations themselves reported forgeries. The demonstrations that erupted following the announcement of the election results were suppressed with severe violence, but did not stop throughout the week.