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New protests being organized in Belarus for Independence Day

© SputnikThe Russian-language social network VKontakte
The Russian-language social network VKontakte - Sputnik International
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The Russian-language social network VKontakte, used by groups organizing protests in Belarus, have not been blocked and new protests are being organized through it, a RIA Novosti correspondent said on Saturday.

The Russian-language social network VKontakte, used by groups organizing protests in Belarus, have not been blocked and new protests are being organized through it, a RIA Novosti correspondent said on Saturday.

Earlier in the day information appeared in the internet and other mass media that the social network had been closed down.

At least two groups, the Revolution through Social Networks and Strategy for the Future, are continuing to organize new protests on Sunday against President Alexander Lukashenko's economic policies in the Belarusian capital Minsk and several other cities throughout the country.

Protests are held in Minsk every Wednesday; however, a new protest will be held on July 3 when Belarus celebrates its Independence Day.

Rather than chanting slogans and carrying posters, thousands of protesters only applaud.

A well-known Belarusian human rights activist, Valentin Stefanovich, told RIA Novosti that during the protest last Wednesday that "just in Minsk, on the order of 120 people were detained." He added that a number of foreigners were detained, including a radio journalist from Latvia and a citizen of Estonia.

A similar protest took place in Minsk a week ago involving up to several thousand people. Police then detained about 200 people, including journalists.

According to witnesses, policemen brutally pushed journalists off the buses that the detainees were put on, reportedly injuring a cameraman with the Belarusian news agency, Belapan, who was cut above his eye.

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