Belarus police storm anti-president rally

MINSK, Belarus — Police stormed a protest rally against the re-election of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko early Friday, arresting about 200 demonstrators.

It was the government's first move against the protesters, who have been gathering in Oktyarbrskaya Square to demonstrate against Lukashenko's apparently landslide victory.

The arrests came after a half dozen large police paddy wagons and 75 helmeted riot police with clubs pulled up to the square in central Minsk about 3 a.m.

The police stood around for a few minutes and then barged into the tent camp filled with protesters.

An Associated Press reporter on the scene said they seized what appeared to be 40 to 50 people, and forced them into the paddy wagons. Dozens more protesters followed willingly.

By the end of the 10 to 15 minute operation, all of the protesters had been taken away. All that remained were their tents and some gear.

Dismissing the official election figures, hundreds have consistently been gathering in the square nightly, supported by thousands more during the daytime. Still, the numbers were considered too small to pose a real threat to the hardline Belarusian leader's rule.

Lukashenko has repeatedly claimed that the opposition is supported by Western forces seeking to bring him down.

The Central Election Commission released final election results Thursday saying Lukashenko received 83 percent of the vote and Milinkevich just 6.1 percent.

The commission chief, Lidiya Yermoshina, said the inauguration would take place March 31, but its secretary Nikolai Lozovik told The Associated Press that date was tentative and the ceremony would probably be held later.

Lukashenko, a former collective farm director, is genuinely popular with many Belarusians who credit him with providing economic and political stability. But Milinkevich says Lukashenko's official tally is inflated and is calling for a new vote.