Theo Death of 31 year old Roman Bondarenko has become a flashpoint in months long mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Witnesses said Bondarenko was detained after a fight broke out in a playground over the removal of red and white ribbons representing the protest movement.

He died in hospital last week after what protesters say was a severe beating by security forces.

But the Interior Ministry has denied responsibility on the government, said Bondarenko was drunk and involved in an altercation with civilians.

Meanwhile, Minsk has had further sanctions handed down by the European Union on Thursday, who also condemned the death.

Thousands broke into applause as the coffin was carried out of the church.