Lukashenko calls on supporters to defend Belarus

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressed a rally of thousands of supporters on Sunday, after a week of sizeable opposition protests.

"I didn't call for you to defend me," he told the crowds gathered outside Minsk's main government building. "You came here to defend your country."

The president's supporters chanted "Batka," a nickname given to the leader meaning "father," as well as "Maidan won't take place," referring to the months of demonstrations in Ukraine between 2013-14 that drove then-President Viktor Yanukovych to flee the country.

At the same time, anti-government protesters were pouring into a rival rally 2.5 kilometers (1.5 mi) away, at Victory Park.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994. Official results say he won a sixth term in last week's presidential election, with about 80% of the vote.

Protesters claim the vote was a sham and allege results were manipulated.

About 7,000 people were arrested over several days of protests, which police harshly tried to put down with clubs, rubber bullets and flash grenades.

Many detainees were later released, complaining of brutality from police while in custody and showing extensive bruises.