Belarusians fear crackdown on planned day of protest

President has vowed to solve' demonstrations and told army to prepare for foreign invasion

Belarusians are preparing for a second Sunday of massed rallies against Alexander Lukashenko, after the country's authoritarian president told his military to be on full combat alert to deal with supposed external threats.

Last Sunday saw the biggest demonstration in the country's recent history, over Lukashenko's rigged election win and subsequent police violence against protesters. The protest has continued throughout the week, with the riot police largely absent, but Lukashenko has promised to solve" the issue of protests within a few days, leaving some wary of a new crackdown.