Nine Ukrainians detained during Belarus protests – Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

12.08.2020 13:00

Ukrinform

Belarusian law enforcement officers detained nine Ukrainians and beat up an Associated Press photojournalist from Ukraine during protests held in the country after the August 9 presidential election, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press service has told Ukrinform, with reference to the Embassy of Ukraine in Belarus.

In particular, Ukrainian diplomats in Belarus reported the beating of a Ukrainian photojournalist from the Associated Press. He was taken to a medical facility with minor injuries. After receiving medical aid, he was discharged from the hospital the same day and did not seek assistance from the embassy.

In addition, the embassy also received a report of the detention of nine Ukrainian citizens in Vitebsk in connection with an "administrative offense." As a result of measures taken by the embassy the next day, they were released from custody.

"There is currently no information on any other incidents with Ukrainian citizens in Belarus. The embassy continues to monitor the situation. Additional information will be provided if new data is received," the embassy said.

The presidential election was held in Belarus on August 9. According to preliminary results announced by the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko garnered 80.23% of the vote, while opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya collected 9.9% of the vote.

On the night of August 9-10, Belarusian security forces detained about 3,000 people during protests. On the night of August 10-11, rallies in Minsk continued and security forces brutally dispersed protesters.

Tikhanovskaya was forced to leave Belarus for Lithuania.