There were about 2,000 protesters according to the government.

About 100 protesters, most coming from Philadelphia, either flew into town or made the 37-hour trip by rental van.

At the Mass this morning, the cathedral was less than half full, and there were about 30 protesters outside in the cold rain.

One march early this month drew about 600 protesters, including several local politicians.

But about 60 protesters also showed up, picketing near a parking lot for the $6 million stadium, which the city recently built.

In the afternoon about 1,000 protesters, led by hard-line Communists, tried to march to the city center.

The Belarussian police said today that they had arrested about 85 protesters and released nearly 50.

By the end of 25 January, about 280 protesters and 55 security personnel had been injured across the country.

The police said there were about 10,000 protesters, but reporters estimated the crowd at more than 20,000.

Last night about 200 protesters gathered outside the markets.