Belarus: Thousands form 'lines of solidarity' in Minsk protest

Crowds of protesters in Belarus swarmed the streets and thousands of workers rallied outside industrial plants Thursday to denounce a police crackdown on demonstrations over a disputed election that extended the 26-year rule of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko.

In several areas of Minsk, hundreds of women formed long "lines of solidarity." Many were dressed in white and carried flowers and portraits of loved ones who have been detained during protests that began shortly after Sunday's vote that they said was rigged.

"I want honest elections. I want to see Belarus free, that laws work not only for government, in one direction, but for everybody," said Roman Ananyev during a protest on Thursday.

The human chains grew quickly, and by early afternoon filled the main central squares and avenues. Motorists honked in support.

In Minsk and many other cities, thousands of factory workers also rallied against the police violence, raising the prospect of strikes in a new challenge to the government.

Nearly 7,000 people have been detained and hundreds injured in a harsh clampdown by police on demonstrators protesting the official results that said Lukashenko won 80% of the vote and his top opposition challenger got only 10%.

Police have broken up protests with stun grenades, tear gas, rubber bullets and severe beatings.