In Pictures: Elderly protesters defy Belarus’ strongman

An elderly woman reacts as police officers detain women during an opposition rally in Minsk, Belarus (AP/TUT.by)

Thousands of protesters who have flooded Belarusian cities for six weeks of demonstrations to demand an end to the 26-year rule of the country’s authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko include people of all ages, professions and social groups.

While younger people make up the bulk of the protests pushing for Mr Lukashenko’s resignation after the August 9 vote that the opposition sees as rigged, many retirees also have joined the daily demonstrations. Here they share their motives and hopes.