The European Union and the United States have shown their support for the people of Belarus on the fourth anniversary of the massive protests that followed the disputed 2020 election, which saw Alexander Lukashenko secure his sixth term as president. The EU and US called for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus and expressed solidarity with the Belarusian democratic movement and civil society. The protests in 2020 led to a brutal crackdown by Lukashenko’s government, resulting in the arrest of over 35,000 people and the conviction of many opposition figures. Human rights groups estimate that there are currently around 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus, with reports of daily arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, beatings, and torture.
The Viasna human rights group highlighted the worsening situation in Belarus since the 2020 election campaign, stating that repression has continued to increase, with violations of human rights becoming a daily reality for Belarusians. The US Embassy in Belarus joined the calls for the immediate release of political prisoners and expressed support for the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people. Despite facing widespread protests and international condemnation, Lukashenko has maintained his grip on power with support from Moscow, allowing Russian troops to use Belarusian territory to invade Ukraine and deploying tactical nuclear weapons in the country. In response, the US Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions against individuals and entities involved in supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The EU also imposed additional sanctions on Belarusian officials accused of human rights violations, politically motivated trials, and state propaganda activities. The international community has shown solidarity with the people of Belarus in their struggle for a free, democratic, and sovereign Belarus. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell urged for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus and announced financial support of up to 3 billion euros to help stabilize the country’s economy and reform its institutions once a democratic transition takes place. The ongoing international pressure on Belarus aims to encourage positive change in the country and support the aspirations of the Belarusian people for a free and fair democracy.
The crackdown on protests and dissent in Belarus following the disputed 2020 election has led to widespread human rights violations, with reports of arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, and torture becoming a daily reality for Belarusians. The US and EU have called for the release of political prisoners in Belarus and expressed their support for the democratic movement in the country. Lukashenko’s long-standing grip on power has been maintained with the support of Moscow, leading to further international sanctions against Belarusian officials involved in supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The international community has shown solidarity with the people of Belarus in their quest for a free, democratic, and sovereign country.
Despite facing a brutal crackdown by Lukashenko’s government, the Belarusian people have continued to push for democracy and human rights. The ongoing support from the EU and US, along with additional sanctions imposed on Belarusian officials, aims to pressure the government to release political prisoners and allow for a democratic transition in the country. The provision of financial support from the EU to stabilize Belarus’ economy once democratic reforms are in place highlights the commitment of the international community to stand with the Belarusian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy. The situation in Belarus remains a concern for human rights advocates, with calls for justice and accountability for the violations committed against the Belarusian people.
