Thousands of protesters joined a rally against Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko named 'For freedom' in Minsk on Sunday.

Demonstrators marched through the city centre carrying old national flags of Belarus and chanting. They demanded Lukashenko's resignation and the release of protesters detained during the last few days.

The protest came as Lukashenko rallied his supporters at a separate location in the capital.

Belarus has been swept by anti-government protests since the long-time leader was re-elected for another term last Sunday.