Belarus protest leader detained at border

Protest leader Maria Kolesnikova was detained by Belarusian authorities on Tuesday (September 8), after what neighbouring Ukraine called an attempt to forcibly remove her from the country.

Belarus released this video, which they claim shows Kolesnikova attempting to cross the border into Ukraine.

But Ukrainian media said she stopped an effort by Belarusian forces to expel her when she ripped up her passport so border guards could not accept her through.

Ukrainian minister Anton Gerashchenko.

"Maria Kolesnikova committed a brave action which prevented Belarus special service from expelling her to Ukraine's territory. Two other opposition members were forcibly expelled from Belarusian territory. Now they are on the Ukrainian territory."

All that came a day after Kolesnikova's allies said she was grabbed off a street in central Minsk by masked men.

She was one of three female politicians who joined forces to challenge President Alexander Lukashenko in last month's election.

She has since played a leading role in mass demonstrations by protesters who accuse him of rigging his re-election.

Soon after Tuesday's incident with Kolesnikova, Lukashenko told Russian reporters he would not rule out holding new elections.

But he also rejected any talks with his opponents.

In recent days, he has responded to the protests with a crackdown which saw more than 600 detained over the weekend.

Some detainees have accused authorities of torture and beatings.