Mass protests in Belarus drew huge crowds and a violent response from security forces on Sunday 25 October.

Over 100,000 protesters were reported to have attended the main protest in the capital Minsk. But police used stun grenades against protesters and reports said nearly 130 people were arrested.

The rally was held a day before the opposition's deadline for strongman President Alexander Lukashenko to resign.

Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya threatened a mass walkout by workers if Mr Lukashenko did not step down by Monday 26 October.

The president has not stepped down and a growing number of workers and students have now downed tools.

Police used stun grenades and reports say nearly 130 people were arrested. The rally drew more than 100,000 protesters, a day before the opposition's deadline for strongman Alexander Lukashenko to resign.

Mass protests continued in Belarus, as the opposition leader threatened a mass walkout by workers if President Alexander Lukashenko does not resign.

Sunday, 25 October, was the last day of an ultimatum set by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.