A Belarusian opposition leader was abducted from the streets of Minsk in broad daylight on Monday, local media reported, as authorities extend their crackdown on protests against dictator Alexander Lukashenko. Maria Kolesnikova, part of the “troika” of women who spearheaded efforts to oust the longtime ruler in an election last month, was bundled into a minibus by men in unmarked clothes, a witness said. The 38 year old is the only member of the trio still in Belarus after Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who stood against Mr Lukashenko in the election, was forced to flee to neighbouring Lithuania following apparent threats to her children, and ally Veronika Tsepkalo left for Poland. Two other opposition figures were also reported missing on Monday. A witness told the independent Belarusian news site Tut.by that she had seen Ms Kolesnikova walking near the National Art Museum in the centre of Minsk on Monday morning. “I saw a dark minibus with ‘Communication’ written on its side,” she said. “I walked ahead and heard the sound of a phone falling on the pavement and some kind of commotion. I turned around and saw people in masks and civilian clothes were pushing Maria into the bus.” Calls to Ms Kolesnikova from the Telegraph went unanswered on Monday. Her team said their lawyers were working to ascertain her whereabouts. Authorities said they had no information about any detention, while Minsk police said they were “clarifying information” about the alleged abduction.
