Read the full statement, available in English and Russian, right.
Thousands of Belarusian citizens gathered at the Independence Square in Minsk on Sunday to protest against the violations observed during the election process. The Belarusian authorities violently dispersed the demonstration and used disproportionate force against the demonstrators, opposition presidential candidates and journalists performing their professional duties.
Hundreds were beaten, including the presidential candidates Vladimir Nekliaev, Vital Rymasheuski and Andrei Sannikov. According to official information, more than 600 people were arrested. Seven of the ten presidential candidates were detained, while the eighth candidate, Vladimir Nekliaev, was kidnapped from the hospital by civilian men. Many closed administrative trials against demonstrators and criminal cases against the presidential candidates and members of their official teams have been started. Dozens are already sentenced to 10-15 days imprisonment.
Documents:
- HRHN letter of concern about post-election events (English)
The letter signed by over 50 partners of the Human Rights House Network - HRHN letter of concern about post-election events (Russian)
- Protest letter by the Polish Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (in Russian)
- Joint open letter by European NGOs on election aftermath in Belarus
Open letter by 9 European civil and human rights organisations to the Belarusian authorities and to the Governments of all EU member states
Related articles:
Election aftermath in Belarus: 600 arrested, hundreds injured
Lukashenko 4.0 – enrich, be free, but without democracy
Human Rights Day: a petition to the President of Belarus
Belarus on the election eve: spicing up autocracy with democracy?
