MINSK: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko took the oath of office at a secret ceremony on Wednesday in a move his opponents attributed to his desire to avoid crowds of demonstrators who have held historic protests against his disputed re-election.

Lukashenko has faced massive demonstrations against his rule since claiming victory with more than 80 percent in a presidential election on August 9, with tens of thousands marching at the latest protest in the capital Minsk on Sunday.

The date of his inauguration for a sixth term had not been announced, but on Wednesday morning, the Belta state news agency broke the news that “Alexander Lukashenko has taken office as President of Belarus.”

Belta said the ceremony was taking place “in these minutes” in the Palace of Independence where the president has his offices and which has been a focus of demonstrations.

The announcement came after independent media reported that Lukashenko’s motorcade had raced through the capital, prompting speculation that the inauguration was due to take place.

The ceremony was not shown live on state television.

“If the inauguration had been announced in advance, 200,000 demonstrators would have gathered outside his palace,” said Ales Belyatsky, head of the Viasna rights group, which monitors political prisoners.

He predicted Lukashenko’s assuming office while seen by many as an “illegitimate president” would trigger “even larger mass protests.”

The furtive move prompted mockery from Lukashenko’s political foes. “Such a farce. Forged elections. Forged inauguration,” tweeted Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius.

“Where are the rejoicing citizens? Where is the diplomatic corps?” questioned opposition activist and former minister Pavel Latushko on social media, likening the ceremony to a gangster convention. Rights lawyer Garri Pogonyailo said Lukashenko behaved like a “coward” and “like any dark deed, tried to do this in secret.”

Despite its secretive nature, the ceremony featured the usual pomp and several hundred guests, according to the presidential website.