In pics: Protests erupt in Belarus after leader hastily sworn in

SUMMARY

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has been sworn into his sixth term in office at an inaugural ceremony that was not announced in advance amid weeks of huge protests saying the authoritarian leader's re-election was rigged. Hundreds took to the streets in several cities in the evening to protest the inauguration.

By ReutersReutersSept 24, 2020 10:55:54 PM IST (Published)

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has been sworn into his sixth term in office at an inaugural ceremony that was not announced in advance amid weeks of huge protests saying the authoritarian leader's re-election was rigged. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA/Handout via REUTERS)

Alexander Lukashenko takes the oath of office as Belarusian President. (Andrei Stasevich/BelTA/Handout via REUTERS)

A riot police officer pushes a woman during an opposition rally to protest the presidential inauguration in Minsk. (AP Photo)

Two women provide health care to a wounded protester during an opposition rally to protest the presidential inauguration. (AP Photo/TUT.by)

Women comfort each other during an opposition rally to protest the presidential inauguration in Minsk. Hundreds took to the streets in several cities in the evening to protest the inauguration. (AP Photo/TUT.by)

A woman argues with riot police during an opposition rally. (AP Photo/TUT.by)

A woman reacts while sitting on the ground near Belarusian law enforcement officers, who disperse a crowd during a protest against the inauguration of President Alexander Lukashenko. (Tut.By via REUTERS)

Belarusian law enforcement members use a water cannon to disperse a crowd. (Tut.By via REUTERS)