belarus

Lyubov Volchek was recognized as a "Righteous Among the Nations' for sheltering an 11-year-old Jewish girl during the Holocaust.

"They are starting to press us on all fronts. Even at Eurovision, I see," Lukashenko said, in his first public comments about the backlash to the anti-protest anthem.

Vitebsk today only has a few dozen Jews. In 2017, that community saw its first opening of a synagogue in over a century.

The plant was previously taken offline shortly after being formally inaugurated by President Alexander Lukashenko.

“Lukashenko’s regime has trampled on the most basic human freedoms, destroyed the foundations of humanity and the rule of law in the country.”

Military vehicles and water cannon were seen on Minsk streets on Sunday, while uniformed men, many in helmets, grabbed people in civilian clothes.

He said the current constitution needed reforming as too much power was concentrated in the hands of the president and that there would be "trouble" if he handed over the reins now.

Belarus has been rocked by months of anti-government protests after veteran leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an Aug. 9 presidential election.