Minsk, Belarus ? Police stormed a protest rally against the re-election of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko early today, arresting about 200 demonstrators.

It was the government’s first move against the protesters, who have been gathering in Oktyarbrskaya Square to demonstrate against Lukashenko’s apparent landslide victory.

The arrests came after a half dozen large police paddy wagons and 75 helmeted riot police with clubs pulled up to the square in central Minsk about 3 a.m.

The police stood around for a few minutes and then barged into the tent camp filled with protesters.

An Associated Press reporter on the scene said they seized what appeared to be 40 to 50 people, and forced them into the paddy wagons. Dozens more protesters followed willingly.

By the end of the 10 to 15 minute operation, all of the protesters had been taken away. All that remained were their tents and some gear.