Police Break Up Rally In Support Of Detained Belarusian Opposition Figure Kalesnikava

Masked officers broke up rallies in Minsk on September 8 that were held in support of Maryya Kalesnikava after the opposition figure was detained by authorities who reportedly tried to expel her from Belarus.

A supporter holds up a photo of Maryya Kalesnikava saying, "Bring back our Masha!!!" on a march to Independence Avenue in central Minsk. The woman beside her is holding a sign that says: "We want to live another way."

Masked police officers detained several of Kalesnikava​'s supporters.

Many protesters were forced to the ground and restrained by police.

Dozens of Kalesnikava's supporters were detained.

Police detain a woman following the rally in Minsk on September 8.

Police used force to disperse a group of women rallying in support of Maryya Kalesnikava. Kalesnikava is a member of the opposition's Coordination Council. It has pressed for a peaceful transition of power since election officials declared Belarusian leader Ayaksandr Lukashenka the runaway winner of an August 9 presidential vote, which the council says was fraudulent.

Protestors march through the Belarusian capital on September 8. 

A woman protestor talks to police officers.

RFE/RL’s Belarus Service reported that more than 50 people were detained at the Minsk rally on September 8. 

Protesters link arms in front of a wall where the word "SHAME!" has been written. 

Police officers detained several women. 

Masked officers carry away one of Kalesnikava's supporters.

Police also used batons to forcibly break up the rally.

A woman shouts at police during the September 8 rally.

An image of Maryya Kalesnikava is projected onto a building in Minsk's Druzhba district on September 8. Playing on a famous Soviet slogan from World War II, it says, "Motherland, Masha Is Calling!"