Theatre staff show resignation letters to Yuri Bondar, Belarusian Minister of Culture, back to the camera, at the Janka Kupala National Theater in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. In Minsk, several dozen people gathered in front of the theater to support the troupe that handed in their notice after the theater's director, Pavel Latushko, was fired for siding with the protesters. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Yuri Bondar, Belarusian Minister of Culture, stands in front of the entrance of the Janka Kupala National Theater in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Several dozen people gathered in front of the theater to support the troupe that handed in their notice after the theater's director, Pavel Latushko, was fired. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Yuri Bondar, Belarusian Minister of Culture, passes a woman holding a banner reading "Art demands freedom" in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Several dozen people gathered in front of the theater to support the troupe that handed in their notice to quit after the theater's director, Pavel Latushko, was fired. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Yuri Bondar, Belarusian Minister of Culture, passes a woman holding a banner reading "Art demands freedom" in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Several dozen people gathered in front of the theater to support the troupe that handed in their notice to quit after the theater's director, Pavel Latushko, was fired.(AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People shout a slogan "release (from prison)" as they gather at a detention center during opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. After the police crackdown at least 7,000 were detained by riot police, with many complaining they were beaten mercilessly. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People with an old Belarusian flag gather to show their solidarity with the detainees at a detention center during opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. After the police crackdown at least 7,000 were detained by riot police, with many complaining they were beaten mercilessly. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Opposition supporters holding white and red balloons gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters holding white and red balloons and a former white-red-white flag of Belarus gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters holding white and red balloons and a former white-red-white flag of Belarus gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters holding white and red balloons gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Opposition supporters gather outside a pre-trial detention centre, where Sergei Tikhanovsky - opposition figure Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's jailed blogger husband - is allegedly held in custody, to congratulate him on his 42nd birthday in Minsk on August 18, 2020. - Sergei Tikhanovsky, had been detained on charges of plotting mass unrest and could not submit his own presidential bid in time. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

A Belarusian President's helicopter takes-off from the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressed employees in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressed workers, show three papers in colors of old Belarus national flag in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses workers of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand factory workers have taken to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. (Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, top right, addresses workers of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Lukashenko visited Wheel Tractor Plant on Monday and dismissed the strikes as insignificant. "So, 150 (people) at some factory, even 200 don't make a difference," the president was quoted as saying by the state Belta news agency. (Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, right, addresses workers of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Lukashenko visited Wheel Tractor Plant on Monday and dismissed the strikes as insignificant. "So, 150 (people) at some factory, even 200 don't make a difference," the president was quoted as saying by the state Belta news agency. (Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, center, surrounded by his bodyguards listens to an employee of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Lukashenko visited Wheel Tractor Plant on Monday and dismissed the strikes as insignificant. "So, 150 (people) at some factory, even 200 don't make a difference," the president was quoted as saying by the state Belta news agency. (Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, second right, argues with a worker of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Lukashenko visited Wheel Tractor Plant on Monday and dismissed the strikes as insignificant. "So, 150 (people) at some factory, even 200 don't make a difference," the president was quoted as saying by the state Belta news agency. (Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

People with an old Belarusian flag gather at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses employees in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People with an old Belarusian flag gather at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses to employees in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People shout during a rally at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses to employees in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People with old Belarusian flags gather at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses to employees in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Maria Kolesnikova, Tsikhanouskaya's top associated, center, greets a crowd gathered at the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses to employees in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Several thousand plant workers took to the streets of Minsk on Monday, demanding authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to resign in a ninth straight day of protesting against the results of an election that extended his 26-year rule. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A woman holds an old Belarusian national flag during a rally near the Belarus Television headquarters in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Thousands of factory workers are taking to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. It's the ninth straight day of protests against an election that extended his long rule over the country. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People hold a banner reading "Stop violence!" during a rally near the Belarus Television headquarters in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Thousands of factory workers are taking to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, in the ninth straight day of protests against an election that extended his long rule over the country. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People hold an old Belarusian national flag, left, and a banner reading "Stop lying!" during a rally near the Belarus Television headquarters in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Thousands of factory workers are taking to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, in the ninth straight day of protests against an election that extended his long rule over the country. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

A man shows a caricature depicting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as he drives next to a rally near the Belarus Television headquarters in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Some thousands of factory workers are taking to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, in the ninth straight day of protests against an election that extended his long rule over the country. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People gather for a rally near the Belarus Television headquarters in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Some thousands of factory workers are taking to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, in the ninth straight day of protests against an election that extended his long rule over the country. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Workers with old Belarus national flags gather during a rally at the Minsk Motor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Some thousands of factory workers have taken to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A helicopter with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko onboard flies away after Lukashenko's meeting with workers of Minsk trailers factory in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Some thousands of factory workers are taking to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, in the ninth straight day of protests against an election that extended his long rule over the country. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Workers with old Belarus national flags, one of them holds a poster reads "Requirement # 1 Go away!" gather during a rally at the Minsk Motor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Some thousands of factory workers have taken to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Workers with old Belarus national flags, one of them holds a poster reads "Minsk Automobile Plant, For freedom of political prisoners!" react listening to a speaker during a rally at the Minsk Motor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Thousands of factory workers have taken to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Workers with old Belarus national flags gather during a rally at the Minsk Motor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Thousands of factory workers have taken to the streets of Minsk demanding the resignation of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, center, talks with employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in office. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, center, listens to employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in office. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, second right, smiles as he talks with employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in office. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, center, speaks to an employee of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in office. (Nikolai Petrov/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, left, speaks to an employee of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in office. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, center, surrounded by his bodyguards listens to an employee of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in office. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA Pool Photo via AP)

People block a car carrying Uladzimir Karanik, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People block a car carrying Uladzimir Karanik, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus, is seen on the left inside a car, during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People gesture as they block a car carrying Uladzimir Karanik, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People hold a flag with a portrait of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, former candidate for the presidential elections, during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

A woman holds an old Belarusian national flag during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled and jeered President Alexander Lukashenko on Monday as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

A man holds a poster showing photos of a protester allegedly beaten by police as people gather for a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said the country could only have a new presidential election after approving an amended version of its constitution, an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People hold a poster during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said the country could only have a new presidential election after approving an amended version of its constitution, an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

A woman waves an old Belarusian national flag as protesters gather during opposition rally in front of the government building in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A couple cover themselves with an old Belarusian national flag, enjoy a sunset during opposition rally in front of the government building in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People with old Belarusian national flags enjoy sunset during opposition rally in front of the government building in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A couple cover themselves with an old Belarusian national flag kiss attending an opposition rally in front of the government building during sunset in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A worker reacts as he attends an opposition rally in front of the government building in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People carry a portrait of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, former candidate for the presidential elections during opposition rally in front of the government building in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Lukashenko's main challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who fled on Tuesday to neighbouring Lithuania, posted a new video in which she disputed the results of the vote and demanded that the government start a dialogue with demonstrators. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Belarusian man shouts during a rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the country could only have a new presidential election after approving an amended version of its constitution, an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People carry a poster showing photos of protesters allegedly beaten by police, left, and a caricature depicting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, center, during an opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the country could only have a new presidential election after approving an amended version of its constitution, in an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People carry an old Belarusian national flag during an opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the country could only have a new presidential election after approving an amended version of its constitution, in an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

People gather at a detention center during opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. After the police crackdown and reports of abuse provoked widespread anger, the authorities backed off, allowing big weekend protests and releasing many of the detainees. The Interior Ministry said that just 122 detainees were still in custody as of Monday, and crowds rallied outside a prison in Minsk to press for their release. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A protester holds a map of Belarus with a red heart during opposition rally in front of the government building in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

A girl gestures carried above the crowd as people gather outside a detention center during opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. After the police crackdown and reports of abuse provoked widespread anger, the authorities backed off, allowing big weekend protests and releasing many of the detainees. The Interior Ministry said that just 122 detainees were still in custody as of Monday, and crowds rallied outside a prison in Minsk to press for their release. The poster reads "We could not tolerate more". (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

People hold an old Belarusian national flag during an opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the country could only have a new presidential election after approving an amended version of its constitution, an apparent bid to buy some time amid the growing political crisis. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Belarusian opposition supporters gather for a protest rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory on Monday, and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power.(AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Belarusian opposition supporters gather for a protest rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory on Monday, and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Belarusian opposition supporters gather for a protest rally in Minsk, Belarus, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. Workers heckled President Alexander Lukashenko as he visited a factory on Monday, and strikes grew across Belarus, raising the pressure on the authoritarian leader to step down after 26 years in power. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko addresses employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), in Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. Lukashenko met with workers at the plant and downplayed the protests, saying that in general factories were working. (Photo by Nikolay PETROV / BELTA / AFP)

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko addresses employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), in Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. Lukashenko met with workers at the plant and downplayed the protests, saying that in general factories were working. (Photo by Nikolay PETROV / BELTA / AFP)

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko addresses employees of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), in Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. Lukashenko met with workers at the plant and downplayed the protests, saying that in general factories were working. (Photo by Nikolay PETROV / BELTA / AFP)

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko (R) speaks with a worker as he visits the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), in Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. Lukashenko met with workers at the plant and downplayed the protests, saying that in general factories were working. (Photo by Nikolay PETROV / BELTA / AFP)

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko (C) visits the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT), in Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. Lukashenko met with workers at the plant and downplayed the protests, saying that in general factories were working. (Photo by Nikolay PETROV / BELTA / AFP)

Belarus opposition supporters gather in front of a banner reading "Freedom!" pasted on the entrance of the Belarus National television and radio company in Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / BELTA / AFP)

Belarus miners attend an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

A man holds a placard reading "Go away" as he chants slogans during an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Protestors raise their hands during an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Belarus miners attend an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Belarus miners attend an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Protestors raise their hands during an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Belarus miners attend an opposition rally in Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020, after incumbent president rejected calls to step down in a defiant speech. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

A cow grazes near a slagheap of a town of Salyhorsk some 150 km south of Minsk, on August 17, 2020. - The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election on August 9, with 80 percent of the vote. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17

Manifestation a Minsk. A new day of protest in Minsk. Demonstrators claim and ask for Loukachenko's leaving. Less people than yesterday, gathered in the Independance place before to go towards the jail, where some others protesters are detained as political prisoners. The crowd was shouting in front of this penitentiary, located in the center, and claimed for their freed. 259012 2020-08-17