Anti-government rally in capital Minsk

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters marched through Minsk on Sunday, calling for an end to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's rule amid a heavy security presence and despite dozens of arrests. Belarus protests have entered a third week since the disputed presidential election on August 9 in which Lukashenko claimed victory.

Sunday's rally came on Lukashenko's 66th birthday. Before Sunday's protests began, Lukashenko spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who wished him a happy birthday.  The Kremlin said they agreed to meet in Moscow in the coming weeks and reaffirmed intentions to strengthen Belarus-Russian ties, after Putin this week vowed military support for Lukashenko if needed. Three people have died during post-election protests and hundreds have been injured. More than 7,000 people have been detained.