According to witnesses, Roman Bondarenko was detained after a physical altercation with people in plain clothes who were trying to remove red and white ribbons that represent the protest movement against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Bondarenko later died in hospital.

The Interior Ministry denied any responsibility for his death, saying he was killed after a scuffle with civilians.

The death is the latest flashpoint in months of mass protests against Lukashenko after a disputed presidential election in August.

Yeah, Svetlana, Tejano skier who stood against Lukashenko in the election on then fled into exile, called Bondarenko a hero of Belarus on urged people to continue protesting Theon position, says Lukashenko rigged the vote to secure his sixth successive term.

Lukashenko denies electoral fraud on with support from traditional ally Russia.