A volunteer coordinator of EPDE’s member organization, the Human Rights Center “Viasna”, as well as her husband were detained yesterday over charges of causing mass riots. Meanwhile, her husband has been released, however her whereabouts are unknown. There is a growing pressure on civil society in the country as authorities’ repressions continue. Human rights organizations in Belarus as well as the European Parliament and UN experts call for a cessation of violence by authorities against protestors and for the release of now over 80 political prisoners in the country. In this alert, we share further details about the human rights situation in Belarus following the fraudulent presidential election of 9 August.

On September 17, officers of the Interior Ministry’s Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption (GUBAZIK) UN human rights experts have issued a statement voicing their alarm over the use of torture against detainees. The European Parliament issued a similar statement in which they also state that, after his current term expires on 5 November, they will not recognize Alexander Lukashenka as President of Belarus and call for new presidential elections.

This Belarus Election Alert can also be downloaded below.