Onrust en repressie in Belarus na gemanipuleerde verkiezingen #8

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In de straten van Minsk en andere steden in Wit-Rusland zijn duizenden mensen de straat op gegaan om te demonstreren tegen president Loekasjenko, die het land al 26 jaar regeert. De politie kwam in actie en pakte demonstranten op. Militaire voertuigen blokkeren wegen die naar het centrum van Minsk leiden, om mensen die daar willen demonstreren tegen te houden.

Volgens een eerste exitpoll heeft Loekasjenko bij de verkiezingen van vandaag 79,7 procent van de stemmen gekregen. De belangrijkste oppositiekandidaat Svetlana Tichanovskaja zou slechts 6,8 procent van de stemmen hebben behaald. In een voorlopige uitslag van de Centrale Kiescommissie krijgt Loekasjenko zelfs ruim 82 procent van de stemmen toebedeeld.

De hele middag stonden er bij de stembureaus op veel plekken lange rijen, ook nog op het moment dat de stembureaus dichtgingen. Veel mensen hebben dus niet kunnen stemmen. Ook bij de Wit-Russische ambassade in Den Haag hebben zo'n tweehonderd mensen vergeefs gewacht om hun stem te kunnen uitbrengen.

De hele dag al zijn overal politiemensen en militairen op de been en internet is grotendeels platgelegd. Veel mensen werden opgepakt door anti-terrorisme-eenheden, vaak zonder dat ze te horen kregen waarom. Daarmee lijkt het erop dat leger en politie het regime trouw blijven en dat protesten tegen de verkiezingsuitslag net als voorheen desnoods met geweld onderdrukt zullen worden.

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Angela Merkel to meet Belarusian opposition leader Tikhanovskaya

The German chancellor expressed admiration for the courage of Belarus’ women protesters.

By Merlin Sugue 9/30/20, 12:15 PM CET

BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel will "soon" meet Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, she said on Wednesday in a speech in the Bundestag.

Her remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron met with Tikhanovskaya — who fled from Belarus to Lithuania after last month's disputed election — in Vilnius on Tuesday.

In her speech, Merkel expressed admiration for the women protesters of Belarus, who have played a prominent role in the demonstrations, and their fight for "a free life" that's "free from corruption."

“I can only say that I admire it and find it really impressive," said Merkel, who grew up behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany.

The German chancellor reiterated that the European Union did not recognize longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko as the winner of the August election and would therefore review its relationship with Minsk during this week's summit of EU leaders.

She called on Lukashenko to “enter a dialogue with the people without interferences of the east or the west” and condemned the violent crackdown on the protests.

Merkel did not say where and when she would meet Tikhanovskaya, but the Belarusian politician's spokeswoman told Reuters she would visit Berlin on October 5-6.

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Op vrijdag 25 september 2020 12:52 schreef nezalezhnost het volgende:
[ instagram ]

De Free Union of Belarusian Athletes doet in een Engelstalige video een beroep op sporters, supporters en iedereen op aarde.

In deze post kondigde ik op 2 september de komst van de vereniging al aan.

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Putin reaffirms position of inadmissibility of interference in state domestic affairs

Russian President has had a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm Russia’s position that attempts to interfere in domestic affairs of a sovereign states as well as foreign pressure on legitimate authorities are inadmissible, the Kremlin press service reported following a phone call initiated by the French side.

"The situation that emerged following the Belarusian presidential elections was also touched upon. The Russian side reaffirmed its principled position that it is inadmissible to attempt any interreference in domestic affairs of a sovereign state or put pressure on legitimate authorities from overseas," the statement reads.

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Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Lukashenko laughs off European leaders’ sentiments

Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has been making her rounds, meeting with European leaders. Her most recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron was aimed at trying to persuade President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus to engage in dialogue with civil society by way of mediation through other countries. Meanwhile, experts doubt the EU's ability to influence Lukashenko, who has chosen scorched earth tactics, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. At the same time, Members of the Coordination Council are looking for ways to approach Russia.

Minsk reacted to the meeting between Tikhanovskaya and Macron with its usual indifference, according to the newspaper. Belarus is rolling out its sanctions against Baltic countries, most actively supporting the Belarusian protesters and the opposition's figureheads. At the same time, the United Kingdom and Canada are imposing restrictive measures against Lukashenko, his son Viktor, and the heads of law enforcement agencies involved in violence against civilians.

The expert community does not believe that Europe’s leaders can successfully influence the situation in Belarus. According to experts, the path chosen by Lukashenko to maintain power means that there is no turning back and no dialogue whatsoever.

"Macron's meeting with Tikhanovskaya is purely symbolic support for Belarusian society in its conflict with the regime. It can have very little effect on the situation in Belarus," political scientist Valery Karbalevich told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. "The EU will not be able to act as a mediator for the simple reason that Alexander Lukashenko categorically refuses to enter into any negotiations with opponents inside the country. Therefore, all of the EU’s efforts in this regard will have no effect," he added.

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U.S. held back on Belarus sanctions, hoping for joint move with EU

Reuters September 30, 2020

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has held off on joining Britain and Canada in imposing sanctions on Belarus in hopes the European Union can overcome an internal dispute, paving the way to coordinated U.S. and EU sanctions, four sources said on Wednesday.

The EU had vowed in August to impose sanctions on Belarus for alleged fraud in its Aug. 9 election and for human rights abuses since, but Cyprus, one of its smallest members, has prevented this.

Cyprus has maintained it will not agree to the Belarusian sanctions unless the EU also puts sanctions on Turkey because of a separate dispute over Turkish drilling for oil and gas in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Six sources told Reuters last week that Britain, Canada and the United States planned to impose sanctions on individual Belarusians in a coordinated move. Only London and Ottawa followed suit on Tuesday.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, three sources on Wednesday said Washington refrained because it believed the EU might achieve consensus at this week's European Council meeting.

One source in Washington familiar with the matter told Reuters that a U.S. package, including human rights sanctions, was essentially ready, but the timing of any announcement was uncertain.

The sanctions aim to impose consequences for the disputed election, which the opposition says was stolen, and for the treatment of protesters in Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled for 26 years.

More than 12,000 people have been arrested since Lukashenko, who denies electoral fraud, was named the election's landslide winner. Major opposition figures are either in jail or in exile.

A Cyprus source said there was a "political agreement" on Turkish sanctions at an informal EU foreign ministers' meeting in Berlin in August and Cyprus remained ready to implement it though it was not clear precisely what the source meant.

"It's not a question of softening or hardening of (Cyprus') position, the source said.

After the meeting, Germany's foreign ministry said ministers agreed on their "solidarity with Greece and Cyprus" but stressed that constructive dialogue with Turkey was vital to resolve "contentious issues in the eastern Mediterranean."

The embassy of Cyprus in Washington, the White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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BAJ and media urge authorities to withdraw lawsuit against TUT.BY and stop pressure on media

01.10.2020 Source: BAJ press service

Joint statement of the Belarusian Association of Journalists and media

On September 18, the Ministry of Information filed a lawsuit to the Economic Court to shut down “TUT.BY” as an online publication. The Ministry of Information claims, the grounds for the lawsuit are four warnings “due to violation of articles 4 and 49 of the Law on Mass Media" by TUT.BY. The warnings were issued by the Ministry of Information itself, the facts of violation of the law were not established by court, while the deadline for the appeal against three of the warnings has not yet expired, although the Ministry claims the opposite in its press release.

By his order of September 29, 2020, Minister of Information Ihar Lutski suspended production of the online publication “TUT.BY” from October 1, 2020 until December 30, 2020.

In this regard, the Belarusian Association of Journalists and Belarusian media state the following:

Yes, the Belarusian legislation allows the Ministry of Information to suspend production of a publication or to file a lawsuit to shut it down. Partially, this was balanced out by the Ministry's policy to restrain from abusing these powers in recent years. Still, on the ground of its lawsuits courts ruled to close Svaboda newspaper in 1997, Pahonia newspaper -- in 2001, and Zhoda newspaper in 2006. In 2011, the Ministry of Information filed a lawsuit to close Narodnaya Volya and Nasha Niva newspapers, but withdrew it following the response of Belarusian society and international community. It is noteworthy that almost all lawsuits to shut down mass media were linked to presidential elections, this way or another. Meanwhile, it is the freedom of political discussion that is most protected by international law. The pressure on TUT.BY and the restriction of access to independent websites, carried out by the Ministry of Information, constitute a gross violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus

Hindrances for most popular media in Belarus not only violate the freedom of reporting, but also restrict the right of people to receive information on the situation in the country and demonstrate disregard for its citizens. Moreover, restrictions on serious media resources would inevitably lead to a situation where citizens, unable to receive verified information from the media, would turn to unverified information, rumors or propaganda (including the sources undermining the information security of the Republic of Belarus).

We:

- urge the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus to withdraw the lawsuit to close TUT.BY online publication and cancel the decision to suspend it;

- demand to revoke the decision to restrict access to websites covering socio-political problems in the country, and to remove obstacles in the production and distribution of independent print media;

- call to put an immediate end to the harassment of journalists and the media for doing their professional activities and to lift all unconstitutional restrictions on freedom of speech in Belarus.

October 1, 2020

The Belarusian Association of Journalists

Onliner.by

Nasha Niva

Citydog.by

BelaPAN News Agency

European Radio for Belarus

RFE/RL

BelGazeta

Svobodnye Novosti Plus

Ejednevnik

Novy Chas

REFORM.by

Salidarnasts

Association of Regional Press Publishers "United Media"

The joint statement is open for other media To sign the statement, please email us at press@baj.by. The statement will be sent to the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus and other state bodies

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US lawmakers to debate bill on human rights in Belarus

According to the document, the US authorities do not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate President of Belarus

TASS, October 1. Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee have submitted a bill on democracy and human rights in Belarus to the US House of Representatives, the committee said in a statement Wednesday.

"We stand with the historic numbers of peaceful Belarusian protesters that continue to flood the streets to demand a more democratic country. Their voices must be heard and the Belarusian authorities using violence, arbitrary detentions and repression in an attempt to stifle their calls to chart their own future must be held accountable," House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican Leader Michael McCaul commented on the bill.

According to the document, the US authorities do not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate President of Belarus and call to hold new presidential elections in accordance with OSCE standards as well as total release of all political prisoners. Moreover, the bill makes it possible to expand the list of Belarusian and Russian citizens who can have sanctions imposed on them linked to their opposition to activities of independent media.

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One of largest investors of Dubai comes to Belarusian market

1 October 2020

A guest from the United Arab Emirates, a long-standing and friendly partner of the Belarusian state, is in Minsk today. President Alexander Lukashenko discussed upcoming investment projects with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company Emaar Properties. Muhammad Ali Al-Abbar came to our capital a year ago. It was just about investments in the real sector of the economy. The billionaire returned with investments in several projects at once. One of them is "Smart City". These are buildings in the northern part of Minsk. Over 4 billion euros was invested. The construction of social facilities is also planned.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "I would like to note punctuality and commitment. We agreed to work together a year ago. Then a number of projects were conceived, which you took into consideration. The times in the world are not easy now, the challenge to humanity in many areas. The investments that you are planning are very useful to us. I remember your promise to build here the most beautiful buildings that will be the hallmark of the Emirates in the center of Europe. I am ready to discuss today all the issues that have arisen, and if there are problems, I am ready to solve them immediately."

Muhammad Ali Al-Abbar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emaar Properties: "Thank you for taking the time for this meeting, and I am glad to return to Minsk. First of all, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome shown on the Belarusian land."

Muhammad Ali Al-Abbar is a co-owner of investment, real estate and logistics companies. His business is present in 50 countries around the world. Now Belarus is among them. Emaar Properties has implemented the largest construction projects in Dubai, including the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers, Dubai Mall. The Smart City project will be launched tomorrow.

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Investor: Decision of Belarus not to stop economy because of COVID-19 proves its effectiveness

A guest from the United Arab Emirates, an old and friendly partner of the Belarusian state, is in Minsk today. President Alexander Lukashenko discussed with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emaar Properties the upcoming investment projects. Muhammad Ali Al-Abbar came to our capital a year ago. It was just about investments in the real sector of the economy. The billionaire returned to invest in several large projects at once. One of them is "Smart City". This is a development in the northern part of Minsk with modern education and healthcare facilities. Over 4 billion euros was invested.

Alexander Lukashenko, President of the Republic of Belarus: "The world is complicated nowdays, humanity is challenged in many areas. There is a struggle for an investor. The investments that you are planning are very useful to us. I remember your promise that you will build here the most beautiful buildings that will be the hallmark of the Emirates in the center of Europe. I am ready to discuss today all the issues that have arisen, and if there are problems, I am ready to solve them immediately."

Muhammad Ali Al-Abbar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emaar Properties: "I am glad to return to Minsk. I would like to congratulate you on many things. First, on a practical victory over the virus. The policy you have chosen in this regard, has proven its effectiveness. I communicate with many leaders. They say that the damage caused by the closure of the economy for one month cannot be restored. The President of Serbia asked me to convey to you the warmest greetings, and I congratulate you on my own behalf on winning the elections. We have never doubted the result, we have always appreciated the policy that you are pursuing, the achievements that your country has in terms of living standards of the population, security, and other parameters."

The Smart City project will be launched tomorrow.

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EU leaders overcome Cyprus veto, agree to Belarus sanctions

By LORNE COOK October 2, 2020 GMT

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders agreed early Friday to impose sanctions on dozens of senior officials in Belarus accused of falsifying presidential election results and leading a crackdown on peaceful protesters, after unblocking a veto against the move by one of the EU’s smallest member countries.

In an embarrassing standoff, Cyprus had insisted that its EU partners take action against Turkey for its energy exploration work in disputed waters off the Mediterranean island nation’s coast before it would agree to the Belarus sanctions.

But after several hours of talks into the night, the leaders agreed on a strong statement of support for Cyprus, as well as for Greece, and a stern warning to Turkey that it could face punitive measures if it continues the undersea drilling work.

“We have to decided today to implement the sanctions,” European Council President Charles Michel told reporters after chairing the summit in Brussels. “It’s very important to do what we decided a few weeks ago,” and to send a signal that “we are credible.”

Michel said that a special written procedure would be launched on Friday to impose sanctions on about 40 Belarus officials.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko “is not on the current list. But we will follow the developments,” Michel said. The leader once dubbed Europe’s last dictator could be added to the list at a later date, should he refuse to enter into talks with the opposition, EU diplomats have said.

The political row has tarnished the EU’s image. It is also unusual in that all 27 EU member countries, including Cyprus, reject the result of the Aug. 9 election that returned Lukashenko to power for a sixth term. They all want a new election and agree that sanctions should be slapped on several officials.

Ahead of the summit, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said “it is bad that we cannot make it work.”

Throughout Thursday evening, the leaders debated what approach to take in the EU’s increasingly tense ties with Turkey over its drilling in the Mediterranean Sea, its roles in the conflicts in Libya and Syria, and as a sometimes troublesome source of migrants trying to reach Europe.

In a summit statement, they agreed that if Turkey continues to react positively in talks with Cyprus and Greece the bloc will “launch a positive political EU-Turkey agenda” with trade and customs incentives, and they held out the prospect of more money and benefits for continued cooperation on migrant flows.

If not, the leaders warned, “the EU will use all the instruments and the options at its disposal,” to “defend its interests and those of its Member States.”

“It is now Turkey that has to prove that it wants to go the constructive road with us, and this is the offer tonight. But we are very clear that in the opposite case we have all necessary tools at our disposal,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

French President Emmanuel Macron was staunch in his support for his European partners, saying that “solidarity is non-negotiable” when it comes to Cyprus, but also to Greece in its long-running dispute with Turkey.

“When a European Union member state is attacked, threatened, when its territorial waters are not respected, it’s the duty of Europeans to show their solidarity,” Macron said.

As it turned out, Cyprus was making its stand at a summit that came on the 60th anniversary of its independence.

In a televised address to the nation, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his “sincere gratitude to all European Union member states for their staunch support and solidarity in light of Turkey’s provocations.”

But Anastasiades said he wanted the EU to take “a more tangible and effective stance to bring about an end to gunboat diplomacy and for the crisis to be succeeded by dialogue or recourse to the international court on the basis of international law and the law of the sea.”

Making the same point, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, “the time has come for Europe to discuss with courage and honesty what kind of relationship it truly wants to have with Turkey. One thing is certain: Turkish provocation, whether this is expressed through unilateral actions or extreme rhetoric, can no longer be tolerated.

In Ankara, meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described his country’s operations in the eastern Mediterranean its most important “naval struggle of the past few centuries.”

During a speech in parliament, Erdogan said the EU had turned into an “ineffective, horizonless and shallow” structure and become a “slave to the conceit” of Greece and Cyprus. However, he also said that Turkey is committed to resolving disputes through dialogue.

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House Members Introduce Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act

October 1, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the Alexander Lukashenka regime’s violent crackdown and political repression following the fraudulent August 9, 2020 election, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chairman Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-TX) Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (R-OH), Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and Congressman William Keating (D-MA) introduced the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020. The Act would provide for the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus as well as support the aspirations of the Belarusian people to preserve the independence and sovereignty of their country in the face of the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

“The world is recognizing what the struggling—but courageous—people of Belarus have been saying loud and clear since August 9 with their massive rallies: the recent election was fraudulent, and has no credibility with anyone save Lukashenka, and perhaps Russia,” said Rep. Smith, who noted H.R. 8438 updates and reauthorizes his previous legislation enacted in 2004, 2006 and 2011 to advance and promote democracy and human rights in Belarus. “This bipartisan bill renews sanctions on Belarusian Government officials who have obstructed the country’s democratic transition. It gives much-needed support to the besieged Belarusian media, and to the IT sector. Some of the unlikely heroes of this struggle are Belarusian hackers, who have cracked Lukashenko’s firewall, and have been able to broadcast truthful accounts to the Belarusian people of the news of the day. This bill also commissions several much-needed fact-finding efforts to get a better picture of the situation on the ground. The Belarusian people are fighting to preserve the independence and sovereignty of their country in the face of the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.”

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Engel said, “Lukashenka has demonstrated time and time again that he is a brutal dictator interested only in the preservation of his own interests and maintaining his grip on power – no matter the cost. We continue to stand with the peaceful protestors in Belarus, who have turned out in historic numbers demanding a freer, more democratic nation and a free and fair election. With this legislation, the United States Congress once again sends the bipartisan message that the United States will not tolerate Lukashenka’s brutality and illegitimate claims to power. The will of the Belarusian people must be respected, and I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to send that message to Lukashenka, the people of Belarus, and the Russian dictator next door.”

“We stand with the historic numbers of peaceful Belarusian protesters that continue to flood the streets to demand a more democratic country. Their voices must be heard and the Belarusian authorities using violence, arbitrary detentions and repression in an attempt to stifle their calls to chart their own future must be held accountable,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican Leader Rep. McCaul. “This Act sends an unmistakable message to the Belarusian dictator and his supporters in the Kremlin that the United States will neither accept Lukashenka’s illegitimate rule nor allow Belarus’ sovereignty to be handed over to Russia against the will of the Belarusian people.”

Rep. Kaptur said, “As a longtime supporter of liberty in Central and Eastern Europe, I am pleased to co-lead this bill to demonstrate resolute bipartisan support for the Belarusian people against the tyranny of the Lukashenko regime. This measure will provide for robust sanctions against human rights offenders, and hopefully pave a path toward new elections and peaceful transitions of power. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to boost U.S. assistance for Belarusian civil society through upcoming spending bills.

Rep. Kinzinger said, “I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation that formally condemns the fraudulent August election in Belarus and shows strong U.S. support for the sovereignty of the Belarusian people. We stand with the freedom-loving people around the world, especially those who are oppressed. Our legislation calls for the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators to end, for all those who have been unjustly detained to be released, and for a transparent and fair electoral process. With foreign assistance parameters and coordination with our European partners, our efforts here can help ensure the voices of the Belarusian people will be heard.”

Rep. Keating said, “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to affirm our continued support for Belarusians working tirelessly towards democracy,” said Congressman Bill Keating, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment. “Their asks are simple. Belarusians want a government that is accountable to the people, that adheres to the rule of law, that respects their human rights, and that conducts itself in accordance with not just European, but global standards and norms. We must pass this legislation to show the Belarusian people that we hear their calls for democracy and justice, and that America stands beside them.”


Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020:

Reauthorizes the 2004 Belarus Democracy Act for the third time following the fraudulent August 9, 2020 election and the Lukashenka regime’s violent crackdown on the peaceful protests;
States that it is U.S. policy to
• reject the fraudulent August 9, 2020 Belarusian presidential election;
• refuse to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimately elected leader of Belarus;
• call for a new presidential election in Belarus that complies with OSCE standards;
• continue to call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus, including U.S. citizen Vitali Shkliarov and leading opposition figure Maryia Kalesnikava;
• refuse to recognize any incorporation of Belarus into a so-called “Union State” that is under the control of Russia;
• Expands the list of Belarusian authorities who may be subject to U.S. sanctions beyond the country’s senior leadership and security services to include those directly responsible for the crackdown on independent media;
• Further strengthens the current human rights sanctions regime on Belarus to include Russian individuals complicit in the political repression in Belarus and the crackdown on independent media;
• Authorizes U.S. assistance to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus and calls on the Administration to reevaluate and increase U.S. assistance to Belarus in light of the current political crisis;
• Calls on the President to provide the United States Agency for Global Media with a surge capacity for its programs and activities in Belarus;
• Requires a U.S. strategy to promote expanded broadcasting, internet freedom and access to information in Belarus;
• Calls on the United States to continue to coordinate with the European Union, its member states, the United Kingdom and Canada to support the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people and to deter Russia’s attempts to undermine Belarus’ sovereignty and independence; and
• Requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to submit two reports to Congress on
• Russia’s efforts to undermine Belarus’ sovereignty and independence; and
• the assets owned by Lukashenka.

It is anticipated that the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020 will be marked up by the House Foreign Affairs Committee tomorrow, which would then allow the bill to move to the floor for a possible vote by the full House of Representatives.

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“Non-violence is a weapon of the strong.” Mahatma Gandhi
Today is the International Day of Non-Violence. It is observed by the United Nations annually on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Non-violence is a method of combatting violence without resorting to violence - through commitment, solidarity, creativity, education, negotiation and peaceful action. For the past four and a half months, we have witnessed how the people of Belarus live the principle of non-violence in their demands that their fundamental civil and political rights be observed, in their aspiration that their country be ruled by law. For that we admire them, and we take this opportunity to call on every person in authority to follow suit. In the words of Martin Luther King, “Non-violence seeks to defeat injustice, not people.” It is the only way to a safe, free and prosperous future for Belarus.
The heads and representatives of the Minsk-based diplomatic missions of the EU and its Member States, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the US.

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European Council approves Polish plan for Belarus - PM

The European Council at its extraordinary two-day summit that started in Brussels on Thursday approved the Polish plan for economic support for a democratic Belarus, PM Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Friday morning.

"I'm very pleased to say that yesterday, after a very long debate, the European Council approved the economic plan for a democratic Belarus that we had put forward," Morawiecki said.

"It was a consequence of our actions over the past few weeks. First, we presented the plan to our partners from the Visegrad Group (V4) in Ljubljana, then, a week ago, we presented the plan at the European Commission to President Ursula von der Leyen, and (now - PAP) she was also tasked by the European Commission, which has been put into the (summit - PAP) conclusions, to further develop the plan and present it for execution in the following months," the Polish prime minister said.

The Central European lobby group V4 comprises the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Morawiecki said the plan must support democratic changes in Belarus.

"We want to also involve in this plan international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and, in particular, European institutions: the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank," the Polish prime minister said.

"Given the difficult situation in Belarus, we should be satisfied that the whole European Council agreed to such an economic plan, because it is a positive offer for Belarusian society," Morawiecki also said, thanking his V4 partners for their involvement.

The European Council on Thursday also made a decision to implement sanctions on Belarusian officials, but the list does not include President Alexander Lukashenko. The Council also condemned the violence, harassment, arbitrary arrests and detentions by Belarusian authorities against peaceful demonstrators who contest the August presidential election results, according to which strongman Lukashenko won yet another term of office as president. The EU does not recognise the result as valid.

The Council called upon the Belarusian government to put an end to the violence and repression, to release all those who are detained and political prisoners, to respect the freedom of the media and the civil society, as well as to begin a dialogue.

The V4 economic plan envisages the creation of a EUR 1 bln stabilisation fund, support for small and medium-sized companies, opening of the EU's single market to Belarusian companies and visa facilitations.

Other points of the plan include long-term infrastructure investments, negotiations of a new framework agreement with an economic angle, support for Belarusian energy security and sector reforms.

Belarus has been torn by protests since the August 9 presidential election, in which Lukashenko won a 6th term in office with 80.1 percent of the vote against main contender Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's 10.1 percent. Mass demonstrations against what is held to have been a rigged vote have been continuing ever since, sparking brutal reactions from the police and security forces. (PAP)

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Kremlin positive about EU’s decision to refrain from blacklisting Lukashenko

The spokesman noted that Russia's general attitude to the sanctions is rather negative

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that the European Union’s decision not to blacklist Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is a positive sign, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

When commenting on the fact that Lukashenko was not on the EU’s sanctions list, he said that he was "rather positive" about it.

At the same time, Peskov pointed out that "on the whole, we have a very negative attitude to the policy of sanctions." "In any case, it demonstrates weakness rather than strength," he explained.

"Had top state officials or the head of state been blacklisted, it would have destroyed any possibility of contacts with the country and deprived the EU of the chance to maintain dialogue with Belarus, particularly for the sake of discussing issues of mutual interest," the Russian presidential spokesman noted.

On Friday, European Union leaders agreed on a package of sanctions against some 40 Belarusian officials but held back from blacklisting President Lukashenko. According to the EU, sanctions against Lukashenko would have undermined the EU’s demand for him to launch dialogue with the opposition. However, European Council President Charles Michel reiterated that EU leaders did not recognize the outcome of the Belarusian presidential election.

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Het Belarussische Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken voert een heraccreditatie van buitenlandse media door

Het Belarussische Ministerie van Buitenlandse zaken voert een heraccreditatie van buitenlandse media door volgens de nieuwe regels, de oude perskaarten verliezen hun geldigheid op 2 oktober.

"De geldigheid van eerder afgegeven accreditatie-kaarten vervalt officieel per 2 oktober van dit jaar", klinkt het in het bericht van het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken van vrijdag.

Vanaf maandag, 5 oktober, start de commissie betreffende de accreditatie van journalisten van buitenlandse media van het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken haar werk in een nieuwe samenstelling.

"Wij plannen ook om vanaf maandagmorgen de aanname van verzoeken online te openen. Voor het insturen van documenten voor de accreditatie is het benodigd om bij het onderdeel van de persdienst op de offici�le site van het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken een formulier in te vullen afhankelijk van de soort: voor een tijdelijke of een permanente accreditatie. Alle eerder ingediende verzoeken zullen in eerste instantie bekeken worden. Het is niet noodzakelijk om herhaald een verzoek in te dienen. In overeenstemming met de normen van de nieuwe regulatie wordt er bij accreditaties prioriteit gegeven aan staatsburgers van staten, waar de buitenlandse media gevestigd zijn", verduidelijkte het ministerie.

Het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken heeft een nieuwe redactie ontwikkeld van de regulatie betreffende de accreditatie van journalisten van buitenlandse media. Op vrijdag 2 oktober werd het betreffende besluit van de ministerraad genomen. "Binnenkort word het besluit gepubliceerd op de site van het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zeken", meldt de instelling

Het vorige besluit werd in 2008 aangenomen, maar volgens de mening van het Ministerie van Buitenlandse zaken voldoet dat niet meer aan het niveau van de ontwikkeling van de mediaindustrie en nieuwe tendenties in de wetgeving.

"Het document bevatte een reeks aan verouderde regels, in de praktijk niet toegepaste normen en discriminerende punten. Wij hebben aandachtig het beleid gestudeerd van onze buurlanden (Polen, Letland en andere), maar ook dat van staten, die zich traditioneel positioneren als opponenten van de vrijheid van meningsuiting (bijvoorbeeld Frankrijk). De recommandaties inzake het instituut van de accreditatie van de OVSE en de Commissie van Veneti� werden tot kennis genomen. Ook is er rekening gehouden met afzonderlijke kritische opmerkingen, waaronder opmerkingen inzake de situatie met de onmogelijkheid van het volledig functioneren van de commissie betreffende de accreditatie van journalisten van buitenlandse media van het Belarussische Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken wegens de epidemiologische situatie", merkte het Ministerie op.

Momenteel is de bezetting van de commissie vernieuwd en worden er nieuwe vormen van haar werk ingevoerd voor een toekomstige minimalisatie van invloed op het proces van het verkrijgen van accreditatie door force majeur omstandigheden. Zo zijn de procedures voor het indienen van documenten voor de accreditatie (voor zowel tijdelijke, als permanente accreditaties) en het verkrijgen van de tijdelijke accreditatie omgezet in een elektronisch formaat.

Behalve dat, hebben journalisten de moeilijk gekregen om zelfstandig de accreditatie-kaarten voor een tijdelijke accreditatie uit te printen. Het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken meldt een significante verkorting van de duur voor het bestuderen van documenten die worden ingediend voor de accreditatie: van 20 dagen naar 5 dagen voor een tijdelijke accreditatie en van 2 maanden naar 30 dagen voor een permanente accreditatie. Ook is de mogelijkheid voor het verlengen van de permanente accreditatie voor de duur van maximaal 3 jaar ingevoerd (eerder was het maximaal tot 1 jaar mogelijk). Het werk van freelance journalisten is in wettelijke kaders gegoten in de interesses van de buitenlandse media.

quote:

Minsk imposes symmetrical sanctions against UK, Canadian officials

On September 29, governments of the UK and Canada imposed sanctions against Belarusian president Alexander Lukahsenko and other officials, including Minister of the Interior Yuri Karaev and Central Electoral Commission head Lidiya Yermoshina, as well as Lukashenko’s son

MINSK, October 2. /TASS/. Belarus imposes symmetrical sanctions against UK and Canadian officials, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz announced Friday.

"As we announced previously, we introduce symmetrical restrictions against a number officials of the UK and Canada," Glaz said.

He pointed out that Minsk noted the dualistic approach of these countries to the ongoing situation.

"We noted that these countries adopted a sanctions list; we believe these messages to be absolutely false and counter-productive. In particular, the UK and Canada introduced similar measures in 2006; they achieved no result and were subsequently cancelled. Meanwhile, both sides lost time, not to mention obvious double standards between evaluation of their own situation and that of their foreign partners," Glaz said.

On September 29, governments of the UK and Canada imposed sanctions against Belarusian president Alexander Lukahsenko and other officials, including Minister of the Interior Yuri Karaev and Central Electoral Commission head Lidiya Yermoshina, as well as Lukashenko’s son, Viktor.

quote:

Belarus Designations

The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List:

ATABEKAU, Khazalbek Bakhtsibekavich (Cyrillic: АТАБЕКАЎ, Хазалбек Бахцібекавіч) (a.k.a. ATABEKOV, Khazalbek; a.k.a. ATABEKOV, Khazalbek Bakhtibekovich (Cyrillic: АТАБЕКОВ, Хазалбек Бахтибекович)), Belarus; DOB 18 Mar 1967; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

BALABA, Dzmitriy Uladzimiravich (Cyrillic: БАЛАБА, Дзмітрый Уладзіміравіч) (a.k.a. BALABA, Dmitriy Vladimirovich (Cyrillic: БАЛАБА, Дмитрий Владимирович); a.k.a. BALABA, Dmitry (Cyrillic: БАЛАБА, Дмитрий)), Minsk, Belarus; DOB 1972; POB Haradzilava, Minsk Oblast, Belarus; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

BARSUKOU, Alyaksandr Pyatrovich (Cyrillic: БАРСУКОЎ, Аляксандр Пятровіч) (a.k.a. BARSUKOU, Aliaksandr; a.k.a. BARSUKOU, Alyaksandr; a.k.a. BARSUKOV, Aleksandr; a.k.a. BARSUKOV, Aleksandr Petrovich (Cyrillic: БАРСУКОВ, Александр Петрович); a.k.a. BARSUKOV, Alexander), Minsk, Belarus; DOB 29 Apr 1965; POB Vetkovski District, Homyel Oblast, Belarus; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

DMUKHAYLA, Alena Mikalaeuna (Cyrillic: ДМУХАЙЛА, Алена Мікалаеўна) (a.k.a. DMUHAILO, Elena; a.k.a. DMUKHAILO, Elena; a.k.a. DMUKHAILO, Yelena Nikolaevna (Cyrillic: ДМУХАЙЛО, Елена Николаевна); a.k.a. DMUKHAYLA, Alena (Cyrillic: ДМУХАЙЛА, Алена)), Belarus; DOB 1971; nationality Belarus; Gender Female (individual) [BELARUS].

IPATAU, Vadzim Dzmitrievich (Cyrillic: ІПАТАЎ, Вадзім Дзмітрыевіч) (a.k.a. IPATAU, Vadzim (Cyrillic: ІПАТАЎ, Вадзім); a.k.a. IPATOV, Vadim; a.k.a. IPATOV, Vadim Dmitrievich (Cyrillic: ИПАТОВ, Вадим Дмитриевич)), Minsk, Belarus; DOB 30 Oct 1964; POB Kolomyya, Ukraine; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

KARAEU, Yuriy Khadzymuratavich (Cyrillic: КАРАЕЎ, Юрый Хаджымуратавіч) (a.k.a. KARAEV, Yuri; a.k.a. KARAEV, Yuriy (Cyrillic: КАРАЕВ, Юрий); a.k.a. KARAEV, Yuriy Khadzimuratovich (Cyrillic: КАРАЕВ, Юрий Хаджимуратович); a.k.a. KARAYEV, Yuri), Minsk, Belarus; DOB 21 Jun 1966; POB Vladikavkaz, Russian Federation; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

KUBRAKOU, Ivan Uladzimiravich (Cyrillic: КУБРАКОЎ, Іван Уладзіміравіч) (a.k.a. KUBRAKOV, Ivan (Cyrillic: КУБРАКОВ, Иван); a.k.a. KUBRAKOV, Ivan Vladimirovich (Cyrillic: КУБРАКОВ, Иван Владимирович)), Minsk, Belarus; DOB 05 May 1975; POB Malinawka, Mahilyou Oblast, Belarus; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

NAZARANKA, Yuriy Henadzievich (Cyrillic: НАЗАРАНКА, Юрый Генадзьевіч) (a.k.a. NAZARENKO, Yuri; a.k.a. NAZARENKO, Yuriy Gennadievich (Cyrillic: НАЗАРЕНКО, Юрий Геннадьевич)), Minsk, Belarus; DOB 17 Apr 1976; POB Slonim, Belarus; nationality Belarus; Gender Male (individual) [BELARUS].

quote:

EU sanctions are impermissible pressure on Belarus, Zakharova says

She stressed that instead of displaying restraint, so crucial for stabilization in Belarus "the EU has once again grabbed the instrument of sanctions," which is unilateral and illegitimate

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The EU's sanctions against Belarusian officials are crude pressure on the authorities, which have been working hard for the sake of normalization in the country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary on Friday.

"We regard this step as outright and impermissible pressure on the Belarusian authorities, which have been taking measures for the sake of domestic normalization. Once again the EU has not said a word in support of the constitutional reform, geared to liberalizing the political system of Belarus through a national dialogue. This should happen not on the streets, but within the framework of the national legal space, with all strata of Belarusian society taking part."

She stressed that instead of displaying restraint, so crucial for stabilization in Belarus "the EU has once again grabbed the instrument of sanctions," which is unilateral and illegitimate, undermines the prerogatives of the UN Security Council, and "leads to the further erosion of international law."

Zakharova recalled that EU officials and representatives of its individual member-states had repeatedly vowed that their attitude was devoid of geopolitics.

"In the meantime, the EU's decisions and the language of threats, just as other actions taken towards Belarus testify to the opposite. This is an obvious instance of violation of one of the key principles of the UN Charter and the OSCE Final Act signed in Helsinki - non-interference in the internal affairs," she said.

Zakharova pointed out that instead of playing a constructive role and promoting stabilization in Belarus the EU preferred to play into the hands of some of its member-states, which are determined to shake loose the internal political situation in Belarus further on.

"We are urging the EU to give thought to the dire effects this policy may entail," she stressed.

"Also, we draw attention to the fact that in accordance with the alliance obligations the retaliatory Belarusian sanction list, which is effective as of today, will begin to be automatically applied in Russia," the commentary says.

EU sanctions

The European Union on October 2 introduced sanctions against approximately 40 Belarusian officials, whom it holds responsible for alleged election rigging and human rights violations. The EU avoided taking personal sanctions against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, because that would undermine Brussels' own demand for entering into an OSCE-brokered dialogue. In response the Belarusian authorities introduced their own sanction list effective from Friday. The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said that in accordance with the civilized diplomatic practice the list would not be made public.

quote:

Op zaterdag 3 oktober 2020 19:39 schreef Hyperdude het volgende:
Nieuwsvoorziening lijkt redelijk plat te liggen?

quote:

Tijdens een protest in Soligorsk zijn er ongeveer 20 mensen aangehouden, waaronder journalisten

Minsk, 3 oktober. Ongeveer 20 mensen werden op 3 oktober in Soligorsk aangehouden, meldde het stakingscommitee van "Belaruskalij". De mensen verzamelde zich in het park der vier elementen om thee te drinken, maar ze werden gestoord door wethandhavers.

De meerderheid van de angehoudenen zijn leden van het stakingscommitee, waaronder de voormalige volleybalspeler van het nationale team Sergej Taras. Na het eind van zijn carriere werd hij mijnwerker. In augustus ondersteunde Taras de staking tegen het vervalsen van de uitslag van de presidentsverkiezing en werd hij ontslagen.

Volgens informatie van de Belarussische associatie van journalisten, werden er in Soligorsk ook de journalisten Irina Orekhovskaja, Ksenija Golubovich en Dmitrij Dedok aangehouden. Daarna werden ze vrijgelaten.

In Minsk is, volgens voorlopige informatie, de vrouwen solidariteits actie "De bloemen mars" afgelopen zonder incidenten. Rekening houdend met de massale aanhoudingen ten tijde van de laatste zaterdagse optredes besloten de deelneemsters hun formaat te veranderen: langs Prospekt Neazvisimosti ongeveer vanaf het Jakub Kolas plein tot het Oktober plein wandelden de vrouwen in kleine groepen mer bloemen in hun handen. Enkele van hun waren gekleed in rood-wit gekleurde kleding of hadden rood-witte paraplu's. Over het prospekt verplaatsten zich bussen met wethandhavers. Bestuurders van personenwaens begroetten de vrouwen met geclaxoneer.

quote:

Op zaterdag 3 oktober 2020 20:03 schreef Hyperdude het volgende:
en jouw ontbrekende posts.

quote:

Over 100,000 march in Belarus against authoritarian leader

October 4, 2020 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — More than 100,000 people marched in Belarus’ capital on Sunday to protest against the country’s authoritarian leader, who won his sixth term in office in an election widely seen as rigged.

The demonstrators demanded the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko, and freedom for political prisoners. Police used water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds, but the protesters remained undeterred.

One video from the rally showed a group of protesters approaching a water cannon vehicle, opening a hatch on its side and removing pieces from inside the vehicle. Media reports say the water cannon malfunctioned after that and drove away.

The Viasna human rights center said that about 120,000 took part in a rally on Sunday.

Mass protests have rocked Belarus for almost two months, with the largest rallies taking place on Sundays and drawing up to 200,000 people. The unprecedented wave of unrest was triggered by the results of the Aug. 9 presidential election that handed Lukashenko, who has run Belarus with an iron fist for 26 years, a crushing victory with 80% of the vote.

His main challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, got only 10%. She and her supporters refused to recognize the results as valid, saying the outcome of the vote was manipulated.

In the first days after the vote, Belarusian authorities cracked down brutally on the protesters, with police detaining thousands and injuring scores with truncheons, rubber bullets and stun grenades.

The government has since scaled down on the violence, but kept the pressure on, detaining hundreds of protesters and prosecuting top activists. Many prominent members of the Coordination Council, formed by the opposition to push for a transition of power, have been either arrested of forced to leave the country.

More than 10,000 people have been detained since the election and at least 244 people have been implicated in criminal cases on various charges related to the protests, Viasna human rights center leader Ales Bialiatski told The Associated Press. Over 70 people have been declared political prisoners.

On Sunday, dozens of people were detained in Minsk and other cities. Viasna released a list of detained protesters on its website that by Sunday evening had over 160 names on it.

“A campaign of intimidation and persecution, unprecedented for Europe, has been launched in Belarus against peaceful citizens who want one thing — free elections,” Bialiatski said.

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, 11 Belarusian reporters were detained Sunday in several cities. Last week, Belarus’ Foreign Ministry rescinded the accreditation of all journalists working for foreign news outlets and said they must apply for new credentials.

Tsikhanouskaya, who entered the presidential race to run instead of her husband Siarhei, a popular opposition blogger jailed in May, issued a statement Sunday supporting the protest and demands to free political prisoners.

She herself was forced to leave Belarus in fear for her safety and that of her children and is currently in exile in Lithuania.

“These are the people who, like Siarhei Tsikhanouski, haven’t seen their family and children for several months. These are the people who suffered for their convictions, and are still suffering. Our goal is to free them. So I support everyone who takes to the streets in their city today,” Tsikhanouskaya said.

“Let the whole world see: Belarusians want to live in freedom, not in prison,” she added.

quote:

October 4: 16 journalists detained, five remain in custody until trial

05.10.2020 Source: BAJ Press Service

On October 4, 16 journalists were detained in Belarus. Most of them were released after verification of their documents at police stations.

However, 5 reporters were left in temporary detention centers until trials on administrative charges. Presumably, Nadzeya Puzhynskaya (Homel), Maryna Mauchanava, Alesia Latsinskaya, Dzianis Nosau, and Yury Kamisarau (all from Babruisk) will be tried for alleged participation in unsanctioned street protests.

Homel

Police detained Silnye Novosti reporter Nadzeya Puzhynskaya. She was detained near the detention center where she came to bring care packages for her detained colleagues - Anna and Dzianis Yakshtas. Nadzeya was charged with "participation in unauthorized event".

The police failed to explain what specific "unauthorized event" Nadzeya had taken part in. Founder of Silnye Novosti, Piotr Kuznetsou was informed by the Homel regional department of internal affairs that Puzhynskuyu had been detained "due to initiation of administrative proceedings under Article 23.34". Police department representative Vitaly Prystromau responded to the question what specific episode she was detained for: "I can not really say, I think there was a reason to."

Nadzeya was left in the temporary detention facility until trial.

Vitebsk

TUT.by and BelaPAN journalist Tatsiana Matveyeva, TUT.by and Narodnaya Volya journalist Ales Piletski, and editor of "People's News Vitebsk" Siarhei Serabro were detained in Vitebsk. All were released after "preventive conversations".

Hrodna

Blogger Andrei Irkha was detained on Savetskaya Square in Hrodna while streaming. He was released after questioning. The police also took his phone. He was punched in the face several times during arrest. The officers who did it kept asking if he was going to continue streaming. During the arrest they strongly tied his hands with a cable tie.

Narodnaya Volya and TUT.BY journalists Volha Kamiahina and Katsiaryna Hardzeyeva were detained, . The police released them after their press ID check and "preventive conversations".

Minsk

In Minsk, the poluce detained and later released BelGazeta photographer Daria Sapranetskaya, and Onliner.by reporter Aliaksandr Uladyka.

Later Daria Sapranetskaya received a call from the Kastrychnitski district police department. The officer told her to return to the police station. A little later police and Omon officers rang the bell of her apartment, all in balaclavas, Daria reported. Daria promised that she would come to the police department on Monday, to get acquainted with the administrative protocol the police had compiled on her. She did not open the door, but livestreamed from her apartment.

The law-enforcement officers left.

Journalist of Belarusians and Market newspaper Aleh Shapialiuk was also detained today in Minsk. He was released after the document check. In the evening, the law-enforcement officers came to his apartment, just as in Daria's case.

Babruisk

The police detained Maryna Mauchanava, Alesia Latsinskaya, Dzianis Nosau and Yury Kamisarau. They were left in custody until trial on Monday. Maryna Mauchanava managed to report that to BAJ from the police station.

Maryna Mauchanava and Alesia Latsinskaya have underage children.

Brest

POlice detained chief editor of the city online magazine Binoculars Ksenia Piatrovich and photographer of Brestskaya Gazeta Aleh Palishchuk. They were released from the police station after a document check.

Mahileu

BelaPAN journalist Ales Asiptsou was detained. After a "preventive conversation" Asiptsou was released.

quote:

Belarus: Statement by the High Representative on demands to reduce diplomatic presence of some Member States

Brussels, 04/10/2020 - 12:52, UNIQUE ID: 201004_2

The demand of the Belarusian authorities that Poland and Lithuania withdraw their ambassadors and significantly reduce their diplomatic representations in Minsk is unfounded and regrettable. It goes against the logic of dialogue and will only further isolate the authorities in Minsk.

Attempts by the Belarusian authorities to target certain EU Member States will not succeed in weakening EU unity, which was clearly reaffirmed by the European Council on 1 October when all EU Member States called on the Belarusian authorities to end violence and repression, release all detainees and political prisoners, respect media freedom and civil society, and start an inclusive national dialogue.

The EU continues to support the democratic right of the Belarusian people to elect their President through new free and fair elections, without external interference.

quote:

Op maandag 5 oktober 2020 16:20 schreef Glazenmaker het volgende:
Echt bizar hoe de EU denkt aan een militaire interventie in Libi�, terwijl deze dictator nog gewoon zijn gang kan gaan zonder dat we als Europa eensgezind foei kunnen zeggen.

quote:

Op maandag 5 oktober 2020 17:38 schreef Glazenmaker het volgende:

[..]

Ik wil ook absoluut niet dat we Wit Rusland gaan binnenvallen. Ik vind het alleen heel raar dat ze een Europees Vietnam avontuur willen starten terwijl er nog zoveel laaghangend fruit in de achtertuin is. Als je al niet eens foei kan zeggen tegen een land in je achtertuin, al dan niet met wat sancties is er echt wat rot.

quote:

Op maandag 5 oktober 2020 18:47 schreef luxerobots het volgende:
Het is nu echter de Wit-Russische oppositie die zegt dat niet te willen omdat de burgerbevolking daar ook niet mee gebaat is.

quote:

Op maandag 5 oktober 2020 19:54 schreef luxerobots het volgende:

[..]

We weten niet in hoeverre het helpt om Loekasjenko weg te krijgen. Het is immers (nog) niet geprobeerd.

quote:

Op maandag 5 oktober 2020 20:11 schreef luxerobots het volgende:

[..]

De toekomst is niet zo makkelijk met verschillende scenario's door te rekenen. Bovendien heeft Loekasjenko nog nooit zo wankel gestaan, dus in het verleden behaalde resultaten bieden geen garanties voor de toekomst

quote:

More than 300 detained in Belarus during Sunday protests

October 5, 2020 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Authorities in Belarus said Monday that more than 300 people were detained during the previous day’s protests against the country’s authoritarian president, who won his sixth term in office in a vote widely seen as rigged.

The Interior Ministry said 317 people were detained during rallies in several cities Sunday against Alexander Lukashenko. In the capital, Minsk, where according to a rights group nearly 120,000 took part in a rally on Sunday, water cannons were used to disperse the crowds, the ministry said. Police estimated the turnout to be around 10,000 people.

In the city of Vitebsk police used tear gas against protesters, the ministry said. The vast majority of those detained — 258 — remain in custody pending a court appearance.

Mass protests have rocked Belarus for almost two months, with the largest held on Sundays and drawing up to 200,000 people. The unprecedented unrest was triggered by the results of the Aug. 9 presidential election that handed Lukashenko, who has run Belarus with an iron fist for 26 years, victory with 80% of the vote.

His main challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, got 10%. She and her supporters refused to recognize the results, saying the outcome of the vote was manipulated.

Initially, Belarusian authorities cracked down brutally on protesters, with police detaining thousands and injuring scores with truncheons, rubber bullets and stun grenades.

The government has since scaled down on the violence but has maintained the pressure, detaining hundreds of protesters and prosecuting top activists. Prominent members of the opposition’s Coordination Council, formed to push for a transition of power, have been arrested or forced to leave the country. But the protests continued despite the crackdown.

On Monday, the elderly took to the streets, protesting against Lukashenko. Several hundred older men and women marched through the center Minsk, chanting “Go away!” and “Grandmothers are against violence!” The crowd walked all the way to the Interior Ministry, where the protesters started shouting “Freedom to our grandchildren!” According to the Viasna human rights center, three people were detained.

The violence against peaceful protesters elicited international outrage. Last week, the European Union imposed sanctions on 40 officials suspected of election misconduct and the crackdown on protesters. Lukashenko didn’t make the list.

The Belarusian opposition hopes to greatly expand the list of sanctioned officials, Tsikhanouskaya’s spokeswoman, Anna Krasulina, told The Associated Press on Monday. “Our list includes around 800 names — all those who committed violence against peaceful citizens, who gave orders to commit violence, all of them will have to answer,” Krasulina said. “Those who falsified the election made the list as well.”

According to Krasulina, the expanded list will be presented on Tuesday during Tsikhanouskaya’s meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “We see that the EU decided on the sanctions and imposed them. We expect the sanctions list to grow significantly,” Krasulina said.

She added that the opposition “counts on Germany’s help” to start a dialogue with Belarusian authorities about holding a new election.

quote:

Dienstag, 06. Oktober 2020

Beistand f�r Polen und Litauen
Deutscher Botschafter verl�sst Belarus

Nach seinen Amtskollegen aus Polen und Litauen verl�sst nun auch der deutsche Botschafter Belarus. Offiziell hei�t es, er solle Gespr�che in Berlin f�hren. Doch dahinter steckt etwas anderes.

Der deutsche Botschafter in Belarus, Manfred Huterer, hat das Land vor�bergehend verlassen. Er sei ausgereist, "um Gespr�che in Berlin zu f�hren", erfuhr die Deutsche Presse-Agentur aus dem Ausw�rtigen Amt. Demnach will die Bundesregierung sich so mit Polen und Litauen solidarisch zeigen, die ihre Botschafter bereits aus der belarussischen Hauptstadt Minsk abgezogen haben.

Zuvor hatte die F�hrung in Minsk verlangt, dass beide L�nder ihr diplomatisches Personal in Belarus stark reduzieren. "Unser Ziel ist es, den diplomatischen Kontakt maximal aufrechtzuerhalten", sagte Litauens Au�enminister Linas Linkevicius. Diese Botschaft habe man auch der belarussischen Seite vermittelt, mit der man �bereingekommen sei, dass eine zeitweise Abwesenheit der Botschafter helfen k�nne, die Spannungen zu reduzieren. Sollte Belarus weiterhin auf der Reduzierung des Botschaftspersonals bestehen, werde man mit einem �hnlichen Schritt reagieren, hei�t es in dem Statement des Au�enministeriums.

Die EU-Mitglieder Polen und Litauen sind Nachbarl�nder von Belarus und haben zuletzt viele Oppositionelle von dort aufgenommen. So floh die Oppositionsf�hrerin Tichanowskaja nach Litauen. Lukaschenko hat Polen und Litauen mehrfach beschuldigt, die Proteste anzufachen. Die EU hatte vor einer Woche Strafma�nahmen gegen 40 Verantwortliche f�r Wahlbetrug und Gewalt gegen Demonstranten in Belarus in Kraft gesetzt. Darunter sind neben Innenminister Juri Karaeu Vertreter der Wahlkommission und der Sicherheitskr�fte, nicht aber Pr�sident Lukaschenko. Die USA verh�ngten Sanktionen gegen acht Regierungs- und Beh�rdenvertreter des Landes.

In Belarus gehen die Menschen seit der umstrittenen Pr�sidentenwahl Anfang August regelm��ig gegen Pr�sident Alexander Lukaschenko auf die Stra�e. Der 66-J�hrige hatte sich mit 80,1 Prozent der Stimmen f�r eine sechste Amtszeit best�tigen lassen. Die EU erkennt das Wahlergebnis aber nicht an. Die Opposition sieht Swetlana Tichanowskaja als wahre Siegerin, die an diesem Dienstag Berlin besuchte. Sie warb um breite Unterst�tzung f�r die Protestbewegung in ihrem Heimatland. "Wir brauchen Vermittlung, um einen Dialog zu starten" mit der Staatsf�hrung von Lukaschenko, sagte sie. Dabei hoffe sie auf Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel: "Ich bin sicher, in dieser Situation wird sie extrem hilfreich sein."

quote:

Silnye Novosti journalist Nadzeya Puzhynskaya to serve 14 days of jail. Her trial was not announced to public

06.10.2020 Source: TUT.BY

In Homel, journalist of the local portal Silnye Novosti (Strong News) was tried. However, neither her family, not colleagues who had been keeping vigil in the court building for two days, were able to come to her trial. Nadzeya Puzhynskaya was sentenced to 14 days of jail.

On Saturday, October 3, Homel police detained editor-in-chief of Silnye Novosti Anna Yakshtas and her husband Dzianis, who also works in the media outlet. Nadzeya Puzhynskaya, together with Dianis' family arrived at the detention center to bring a care package for her colleagues.

"Someone called her, and she stepped aside and disappeared. Later she called from a police station to inform that she was in Sovetski police department. Then we learned that Nadzeya was detained under article 23.34 of the Administrative code (Violation of the order of organizing or holding mass events)," owner of the portal Piotr Kuzniatsou said earlier.

Nobody knew what exactly she was charged with.

Today, on October 6, Nadzeya was tried. We don't know how and where the court session was held. Nadzeya's mother told the news to Silnye Novosti: She got a phone call from her daughter who said she had received 14 days of jail. The journalists who stayed in the court building since early morning, could not find information about the hearing.

Anna Yakshtas was given a fine of 20 base values today. She has underaged children, and can't serve administrative jail terms by law.

Dzianis Yakshtas was sentenced to 15 days of jail yesterday.

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06 October 2020, 09:16

Belarusians submit about 350 proposals on constitutional reform in three days

MINSK, 6 October (BelTA) – Belarusians have submitted about 350 proposals on amending the Constitutional over three days, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on State Building, Local Government and Regulations of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Viktor Svillo told the STV TV channel, BelTA has learned.

On 2 October the House of Representatives posted an announcement inviting the public to contribute their views on constitutional amendments. The proposals will be accepted till 25 October.

According to Viktor Svillo, the feedback was huge. “By midday on 5 October, there were already about 350 proposals from the public. The proposals are very interesting. Of course, these proposals were not formulated in a legally established manner. People just expressed their wishes. And the task of the parliament is to process all this. In this case, the parliament acts as an aggregator. All proposals that ordinary citizens send to us must be grouped and processed in a certain way. Subsequently, we should produce a certain output of a legal nature. However, these will be parliamentary proposals,” he said.

The MP thanked all people who send proposals. He stressed that the MPs will summarize and analyze the collected materials. “I would like to warn against disappointment those contributors who might not see their proposals. In one form or another they will be taken on board,” Viktor Svillo added.