Belarus Set for New Mass Protest amid Crackdown

Large protests are expected to be held again in Belarus calling for long-time President Alexander Lukashenko to step down as a crackdown intensifies.

On Saturday, security agents in the capital Minsk detained dozens of people, mostly students, in the fourth weekend of protests.

Opponents say Mr Lukashenko rigged the presidential election of 9 August.

Meanwhile, top opposition activist Olga Kovalkova said she had taken refuge in Poland amid jail threats.

Mr Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has accused Western nations of interfering.

Protesters, human rights activists and observers say riot police are brutally suppressing peaceful marches.