Police beat opposition protesters in Minsk (video)

Opposition activists late on December 12 staged an unauthorized event in defence of Belarus's independence on October Square in central Minsk. The protest took place ahead of the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 13-14. When the riot police were dispersing the action participants, activist Zmitser Khvedaruk suffered serious head and stomach injuries. He was later rushed into a hospital. Anatol Lyabedzka, the leader of the United Civic Party, was also beaten.