Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Belarusian Soccer Players Condemn Police Crackdown

by

Leading Belarusian soccer players, including current members of the national team, have issued a video message condemning a police crackdown against anti-government demonstrators. Protests began on August 9 after President Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed victory in an election widely seen as rigged. Several protesters have died and many have been beaten on the streets or in police captivity.