Belarus arrests 26 opposition activists

MINSK, Belarus – Authorities in Belarus say that 26 opposition activists have been arrested in recent days and are facing criminal charges.

The former Soviet nation’s security agency, the KGB, said Thursday that 26 people had been detained and weapons including grenades were found during 29 apartment searches, according to a statement cited by Belarusian media reports.

Belarus has seen its largest street protests in years, with thousands of people across the country openly opposing an unpopular labour law and criticizing the government. The next round of anti-government rallies is planned for the weekend.

President Alexander Lukashenko announced the arrest earlier this week of armed “militants” who were financed from abroad and wanted to topple to government.

Lukashenko, a former state farm director, has ruled Belarus with an iron hand since 1994.