Deputies Refuse to Leave Belarus Parliament

Fearing President Alexander G. Lukashenko would evict them from the chamber, deputies occupied the Belarus parliament on Saturday.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside to demand Lukashenko’s removal. Under the watchful eyes of police, the crowd shouted,”Impeachment!” and cheered and applauded the deputies, who were allowed to move freely in and out of the chamber.

Lukashenko has cracked down on his political foes, sparking charges of dictatorship.

Dozens of deputies stayed overnight in the parliament, fearing a repeat of Friday’s events in which Lukashenko’s special services barred the country’s top electoral official from entering his office.

Deputies called an emergency session for Monday.

Lukashenko, 42, has vowed to press ahead with a referendum Nov. 24 and to assume more powers in defiance of the constitutional court, parliament and critics at home and abroad. He has ignored rulings from rival institutions in the past. He also has threatened to dismiss anyone or dissolve any institution that does not recognize the referendum.