Before Sunday's protest in Minsk, which the authorities consider "illegal mass action", the police and the army troops took positions on the streets of the city. Trucks and equipment for dispersing demonstrations and armored personnel carriers were brought with them.
As reported by the press agency, Interfax West, many trucks with troops and prisoners, water cannons and other police equipment drove into the center of Minsk. Witnesses reported that a column of armored personnel carriers had entered the city. Some buildings in the center are surrounded, and the streets are blocked, including the Independence Prospect on the section leading to the presidential palace and other streets. The metro stations in the center have been closed "for the safety of passengers".
