‘Belarusian sovereignty and identity are increasingly under threat’, says EU on 4th anniversary of fraudulent presidential elections

On the eve of the 4th anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus, the European Union called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and unjustly detained people.

“Four years ago, on 9 August, the people of Belarus took to the streets to peacefully protest against the fraudulent presidential elections and Lukashenka’s attempt to take away their right to decide their future,” EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement. “Since then, and despite violent repression, the Belarusian people have repeatedly and bravely stood up for their human rights and their country’s democratic future.”

Borrell added that the Lukashenka regime had responded with a massive campaign of violence and intimidation against its own people, with around 1,400 political prisoners currently in detention. 

“Lukashenka launched a total crackdown against the Belarusian civil society, human rights defenders, free media and journalists, political opponents, independent trade unionists, representatives of national minorities, and ultimately against all ordinary citizens expressing their views, both in and outside the country,” Borrell said. “At least six political prisoners lost their lives in detention, and many have been held incommunicado for more than a year. Some of the detainees have life threatening conditions and require urgent medical assistance.”

Borrell also quoted the latest report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, which states that, “there are reasonable grounds to believe that the crime of persecution, which is a crime against humanity, may have been committed in Belarus”. 

Borrell also said Belarusian sovereignty and identity were increasingly under threat. He reminded  that in addition to wide-scale domestic repression, the Belarusian regime has been involved in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Since 2021, the regime has also orchestrated migration pressure on the EU’s external borders.

For all this, the EU has imposed several rounds of sanctions against the regime and its supporters, with the latest additions on 5 August. Altogether, 261 individuals and 37 entities and bodies are currently subject to EU individual restrictive measures. 

Borrell said the EU remained united in its support to the brave people of Belarus and the Belarusian democratic movement, and was ready to activate a Comprehensive Plan of Economic Support of up to €3 billion to support the country on its democratic path. 

“We will continue to ensure that the voices of the Belarusian people are heard,” Borrell concluded.

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