Belarus' embattled president Alexander Lukashenko says protesters against his government have committed acts of terrorism and the authorities will conduct an appropriate response.
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Lukashenko told a meeting in Minsk that protesters had been blocking railways, which "can lead to serious accidents and the death of many people," according to comments carried by state news agency BelTA.
"These are the actions of organised criminal groups with signs of terrorism," Lukashenko warned, adding: "When the red line is crossed, the government must respond."
There have been mass protests in Minsk every week since a disputed election in early August that opposition supporters have alleged was rigged for Lukashenko to maintain power.
Lukashenko, 66, has led Belarus, a former Soviet republic between Russia and EU member state Poland, for more than 26 years, tolerating little dissent.
Almost 600 people were detained at unauthorised rallies in the country on Monday, the Interior Ministry reported on Tuesday in a statement carried by state media.
It said that more than 500 people were detained on Sunday.
Australian Associated Press
