At Least 16 Journalists Detained in Belarus

MINSK, BELARUS — Security agents detained at least 16 journalists in Belarus and searched their homes and offices for materials that allegedly libel authoritarian President Lukashenko, activists said yesterday.

A Polish-funded radio broadcaster said 20 of its Belarusian employees had been detained. The Belarusian Journalists' Association counted at least 16 journalists summoned for questioning by the KGB, the country's top security agency, or had their apartments searched.

The State Department put the number at 30 journalists detained in 12 cities.

The nationwide raids follow a protest on Tuesday by opposition and other activists in the capital, Minsk, in defiance of a government ban on marking a historical holiday. Dozens were arrested.