MINSK, Belarus — Scores of protesters were arrested in the capital of Belarus as supporters of the country’s repressed opposition tried to hold a march. The attempted demonstration in Minsk was meant to commemorate Belarus’ 1918 proclamation of independence from Russia. The human rights group Vyasna said five of its observers were among those arrested. One of Belarus’ most prominent opposition figures, Nikolai Statkevich, was arrested outside his home as he headed to the gathering, his wife Marina Adamovich told The Associated Press. Although the march was banned, authorities allowed thousands to gather in a park to mark the independence proclamation’s 100th anniversary.

Source: National Post March 25, 2018 11:48 UTC