Anti-government protests in Belarus were stifled on Sunday as security forces clamped down on demonstrators who had mingled in with pro-government crowds at a speech being given by long-time president, Alexander Lukashenko.

Those led away from the gathering had planned to clap in protest during Lukashenko's speech at the wartime memorial site on Minsk's Avenue of the Victorious. But police quickly identified the dissenters and pushed them from the crowds gathered to hear Lukashenko speak.

Those detained included former president and Lukashenko critic Stanislav Shushkevich.

The man often referred to as "Europe's last dictator" told the open-air rally that a plot had been schemed to overthrow his 16-year rule.

Lukashenko warns opposition

"(Somebody) is trying to copy a 'colored revolution' scenario here," he said, referring to a series of peaceful protests that led to the change of leadership in ex-Soviet republics such as Georgia and Ukraine in 2003-2004.

"They want to bring us to our knees," the former Soviet state farm director declared. "This is not going to happen."

Lukashenko was speaking on Independence Day marking the end of Nazi occupation of the country in 1944. The day was also to see a military parade through the capital.

Belarus is in the midst of its deepest economic crisis since it broke away from the Soviet Union 20 years ago. Many critics have accused Lukashenko of stealing December's elections.

Author: Darren Mara (Reuters, dpa)

Editor: Andreas Illmer