Why is Belarus in the news now?

Who are the main players?

Why are the people so upset?

What can we do?

"The last dictator of Europe", Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko, has been ruling Belarus with an iron grip for 26 years, suppressing democracy and smashing any dissent. But his hold on power may finally come to an end. [1]

Two weeks ago, Lukashenko proclaimed another electoral win, despite clear signs that the election was rigged. This time it was too much for the people of Belarus!

Thousands marched on the streets to challenge the result. These brave defenders of democracy were met by riot police, and dozens were beaten and injured. More than 6,000 people were arrested. [2]

What matters now is the EU’s response -- the EU can stand up to Lukashenko by refusing to recognise him as the President and support free and fair elections as soon as possible.

In 24 hours, EU leaders will have a special meeting to come up with a response to the situation in Belarus. [3] If there is an outcry from all corners of Europe before they meet, we can make sure this meeting is not just talk but leads to action.

What happened this summer in Belarus cannot be called elections: main opponents were either imprisoned or barred from registration. [4] Lukashenko's main opponent in the elections, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was forced to leave the country and is now in exile in the EU, in Lithuania. [5]

The EU has already signalled that it will issue sanctions against President Lukashenko and the ruling elite, but this is not enough. [6]

The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. And violent repression of peaceful protesters has no place in Europe. It is important to show support for the protesters and let’s make sure the EU calls for new elections as soon as possible.

References:

[1]https://ipi.media/four-journalists-jailed-as-belarus-cracks-down-on-opposition-reporting/

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/12/belarus-protesters-and-police-clash-for-third-night-as-eu-threatens-sanctions

[3] https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1295293072918614018

[4]https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/opinion/what-is-happening-in-belarus-cannot-be-called-elections/

[5] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/10/belarus-opposition-candidate-rejects-election-result-protests-svetlana-tikhanovskaya-lukashenko

[6] https://www.dw.com/en/belarus-eu-sanctions/a-54564440