More than 2,000 women took part in the march in Minsk. Such anti-government marches have become a regular feature of the unprecedented wave of large, persistent protests that began after the August 9 presidential election.

Large demonstrations have been held in cities throughout the country and some Sunday protests in Minsk have attracted crowds estimated at up to 200,000 people.

The human rights group Viasna said more than 200 people were arrested in march.

Among those detained was Nina Bahinskaya, a 73-year-old former geologist whose defiance and sharp tongue have made her a popular figure in the protests. Many of the women in Saturday’s march chanted “We’re walking!” referring to when police told Bahinskaya that she was taking part in unauthorized protest and she snapped back “I’m taking a walk”.