The European Parliament, denouncing the "ongoing and long-standing grave violations of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus," has called on the EU, its member states, and the international community not to recognise the legitimacy of Aliaksandr Lukashenka as president after the 26 January election.
MEPs emphasise that Lukashenka, who has ruled "ruthlessly since 1994," faces no genuine opposition in this election and reaffirm their stance that his regime is illegitimate, while expressing "unwavering support for the Belarusian people" in their fight for democracy and human rights.
Citing the Belarusian human rights organisation Viasna, which reports over 1,200 political prisoners, the resolution calls for investigations into human rights abuses and accountability measures through “universal jurisdiction.”
MEPs also condemn Belarus's "complicity in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine" and advocate for strengthened EU sanctions against those responsible for repression and Belarus’s support for the war.
Belarusian opposition activists plan to hold protests on election day, including in London, UK, at Whitehall, opposite Downing Street. "We continue to stand for the imprisoned, tortured, and silenced. Until all are free!" the organizers declare.
Source: X/europarl.europa.eu/@Europarl_EN/@belarusinuk
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